Unyenge movement renews push for coastal LGA
The Unyenge Proposed Local Government Movement has renewed its campaign for the creation of Unyenge Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, arguing that the area’s coastal location, natural resources and economic potential make a separate administrative structure imperative.
The proposed council would be carved from the existing Mbo Local Government Area and included in the proposed Obolo State, according to the movement.
*Convener, Unyenge Proposed Local Government Movement, Harry Asuquo Johnson.
Nathan Tamarapreye
The Unyenge Proposed Local Government Movement has renewed its campaign for the creation of Unyenge Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, arguing that the area’s coastal location, natural resources and economic potential make a separate administrative structure imperative.
The proposed council would be carved from the existing Mbo Local Government Area and included in the proposed Obolo State, according to the movement.
Convener of the movement, Comrade (Amb.) Harry Asuquo Johnson said the campaign was driven by the need to bring government closer to residents while creating an administrative structure capable of harnessing Unyenge’s growing economic opportunities.
In a statement on Wednesday, Johnson said Unyenge’s access to the Atlantic coastline placed the area in a strategic position to benefit from fishing, maritime commerce, trade and other coastal activities.
He also identified the Stubbs Creek area as both an ecological treasure and an economic asset whose potential, if properly managed, could support sustainable development and create livelihoods for residents.
The movement pointed to oil and gas activities as another indication of the area’s economic significance. It cited Savannah Energy Resources Ltd., Universal Energy Resources Ltd. and Tulcan Oil & Gas Exploration/Production among companies operating or holding interests in the area.
It added that activities linked to OML 14 and Stubbs Creek further underscored Unyenge’s relevance to the energy sector.
Beyond oil and gas, the group cited black-sand mining as another emerging economic activity, naming Shimoa Mining Investment Limited, which it described as a Chinese company involved in the extraction of substantial quantities of black sand in the area.
But the movement said Unyenge’s economic story went beyond extractive industries.
Fishing, farming, timber production and trading, it noted, remain central to the livelihoods of residents across the communities, making improved infrastructure, public services and development planning increasingly urgent.
“Unyenge’s economic activities and natural resources require a governance structure capable of responding directly to the needs of the people,” the movement said.
The group also sees the proposed Ibaka Deep Seaport as a potential turning point for the coastal communities, arguing that increased maritime traffic could stimulate investment, trade and employment across the corridor.
However, it acknowledged that proximity to major economic projects alone would not guarantee prosperity. It said effective planning, infrastructure, environmental safeguards and responsive government institutions would be necessary to translate the area’s resources into tangible benefits for residents.
The movement argued that a new local government would provide a more direct administrative platform for coordinating development, attracting investment, improving infrastructure and expanding access to government services.
It also linked the proposed council to improved security, saying closer administrative coordination between communities and security agencies could strengthen responses to emerging security challenges.
Johnson urged the National Assembly and other relevant authorities to consider the demand as discussions over the creation of new local governments and the proposed Obolo State continue.
He said the creation of Unyenge LGA would not only bring government closer to the people but also provide a framework for unlocking the economic potential of its coastal communities.
The movement said it would continue to pursue the proposal through lawful and constitutional channels while engaging traditional institutions, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
It proposed dozens of villages and settlements for inclusion in the new local government, including Uttit Antai, Udung Eyo, Njakat Unyenge, Udung Ise, Udung Akanim, Mbughu Unyenge, Esuk Unyenge, Udung Ekpima, Udung Ikpi Ikara, Atai, Okposo 1 and Itak Efa.
Others listed are Udung Abikang, Udung Udo, Udung Otoyo Otoyo, Udung Nsong Eyo, Udung Atte Efa, New Barrack, Atak Mmasang, Udung Nkan, Udung Ntekim, Okposo 2, Ine Matota, Uko Ede Akpa, Ine Akpautong and One-Man Country.
The movement maintained that the communities collectively form the foundation of its proposal for an economically viable and administratively effective Unyenge Local Government Area.
