December 22, (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, took a major step towards expanding its digital economy with the launch of Easy Pay Shop, a homegrown e-commerce platform designed to boost MSMEs, create jobs and promote Made-in-Akwa-Ibom products.
The platform, developed by Akwa Ibom-based entrepreneur, Kingsley Asukwo, was unveiled at the Government Pavilion during the ongoing Christmas Unplugged 3.0 at the Christmas Village, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Youth Development, with a strong focus on youth participation and digital inclusion.
Speaking at the launch, Asukwo described Easy Pay Shop as a secure and scalable digital marketplace aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for technology-driven trade in Nigeria.
“Easy Pay Shop is built to work for everyone; from farmers and artisans in rural communities to manufacturers and traders in urban centres. Our goal is to expand market access, increase productivity, create jobs and drive sustainable, private-sector-led growth.”
According to him, the platform will enable local businesses to reach wider state and national markets, while reducing barriers to e-commerce participation. Farmers, agro-processors and cooperatives will gain direct digital access to consumers, helping to reduce post-harvest losses through faster sales and direct-to-consumer distribution.
Asukwo explained that the platform also supports value-added agricultural products and structured online trade, while digitising rural traders, artisans and micro-enterprises through simplified onboarding and training.
The initiative is expected to strengthen inclusive growth by promoting locally manufactured and processed goods under the Made-in-Akwa-Ibom brand, while opening digital income opportunities for youth- and women-led enterprises.
Indirect jobs are also projected across logistics, customer support, technology and marketing value chains.
He added that Easy Pay Shop prioritises consumer protection, transaction transparency and data security, in line with national data protection and cybersecurity regulations, and aligns with Akwa Ibom State’s ICT development goals.
Asukwo noted that the project is aligned with the state government’s policies on MSME development, digital economy expansion and job creation, adding that the company would collaborate with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, chambers of commerce and trade associations.
“With Akwa Ibom as the pilot state, Easy Pay Shop will serve as a proof of concept for national expansion, while retaining the state as the innovation base”, he said.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Director of Industry, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr Michael Essien Ibanga, commended Governor Umo Eno for creating an enabling and secure environment for investors. He said the ministry was committed to grooming local investors as a sustainable pathway to job creation for youths.
Also speaking, the Help Desk Officer, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Utipobong Obed, described the launch as a “digital milestone”, expressing optimism that Akwa Ibom youths would benefit significantly from the platform.
Industry stakeholders, including Comrade Emmanuel Ekong, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (Akwa Ibom State Chapter), and Dr Nsidibe Ekpenyong, Director, Outstanding Youth Humanitarian and Educational Foundation, hailed the initiative as timely, noting that it would deepen the state’s digital economy and unlock new opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises.
At the policy level, Easy Pay Shop is positioned to serve as a digital implementation partner to the state’s ARISE Agenda, supporting MSME growth, promoting local production and attracting private-sector investment into Akwa Ibom State.
