Amalgamation House in Ikot Abasi
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has received a motion urging the immediate restoration of the historic Amalgamation House located in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.
The motion was presented during plenary by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, a legal practitioner trained at the University of Uyo.
Moving the motion in line with the provisions of Order III Rule 1 of the Standing Orders of the House, Akpabio drew attention to the national significance of the building, which occupies a central place in Nigeria’s political history.
He explained that the Amalgamation House is widely recognised as the location where Lord Frederick Lugard signed the historic document on January 1, 1914, which brought together the Northern and Southern Protectorates to form modern Nigeria.
The lawmaker also noted that the building later gained additional national prominence when it served as the venue where the ceasefire agreement that ended the Nigerian civil war was signed in January 1970.
According to him, the structure represents an important historical landmark with strong potential to attract tourism and preserve national heritage.
Akpabio expressed concern over the present condition of the facility. He told the House that the once significant monument has deteriorated badly over the years and now appears abandoned, with damaged structures and an overgrown surrounding environment.
He reminded the Assembly that in September 2024, reports indicated that the Akwa Ibom State Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, had announced plans to restore the building.
However, he said more than a year had passed since the announcement, while the site continues to decline without visible restoration work.
The lawmaker argued that reviving the Amalgamation House would support tourism development in the state and align with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which places emphasis on economic growth through culture and tourism.
Akpabio therefore urged the House to direct the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to begin immediate restoration of the historic structure. He also called for the House Committee on Tourism to carry out proper oversight to ensure the project is implemented.
The motion received unanimous support from lawmakers during the plenary session, as members acknowledged the historical importance of the Amalgamation House to both Akwa Ibom State and the Nigerian federation.
