The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken a decisive step to revamp its hospitality sector by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Aleph Technical and Advisory Services for the professional management of state-owned hospitality facilities.
The agreement is aimed at improving operational efficiency, service delivery and profitability across government-owned hotels and related establishments in the state.
The MoU was signed on Friday February 27, 2026, at Government House, Uyo, shortly after Governor Umo Eno returned from a working visit to the Federal Capital City, Abuja and CSS Farms in Gora, Nasarawa State.
The MOU covers four facilities in the State including Ibom Icon and Golf Resort, Four Points by Sheraton, Ibom International Hotel, and the ARISE Palm Resort.
In his remarks at the event, Governor Eno noted that the State has what it takes to become a tourism destination and assured the management of Aleph Technical and Advisory Services that his administration will give them the necessary support to enable them succeed in the management of the facilities.
Earlier in his presentation on the state of the facilities, the team lead, Jad Shamseddin, said they spent some days in the state to assess the facilities, adding that they were uniquely built with international standard.
He pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of each, and assured that with few adjustments, the facilities will achieve desired results.
The Hotel management Agreement, HMA, will subsequently be signed after the completion of due diligence.
Other members of the team included Vice President, Food and Beverages, Marc Matar; Director, Development, Aman Raheja; Director, Projects, Fiona Stewart; Head of Technical Design, Joseph Keserwany; and Area Director, IT, Waqar Ashraf.
On the Governor’s team were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom SAN, Commissioner for Local Government and Chietaincy Affairs, and Dean of the College of Commissioners, Hon Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umana; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia; Commissioner for Works, Prof Eno Ibanga, President General of the ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, and Sir Monday Ebong Uko
