Abak, Akwa Ibom - Postal code - 532001

Description of Abak, Akwa Ibom

Abak town is a local government area of Akwa Ibom, the local government headquarters is located about 18 kilometers from Uyo, which is the State capital. Abak town has a landmass of 304 square kilometers. Abak town to say the least is just the shadow of its former self due to the politically motivated neglect by some successive governments in Akwa Ibom state.        

History of Abak

Abak city became the seat of Government in the year 1902 after the battle conquest of the British armed forces and their invasion of the valley that lies between the Ediene and Abak Clans. The outcome of the war and that victory penetration into the hinterland by the colonial soldiers and eventually the installation of the government. The people call the valley in their local language “Aba-ag” and fighting is called “Anwan.” By joining these two words “Aba-ag” and “Anwan” they gave the name “Aba-ag Ikot Anwan” it was given to the newly established entity. The seat of Government kept growing until the years 1957 and 1958 when it developed and gained the status of Divisional Council Headquarters. At the establishment, the area included the present Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, Ika, Oruk Anam, and the present Abak. All the places that are mentioned here have been developed and are full-fledged local government areas.       

The Economy of Abak

The major economic activities the people engage in are palm production. Before the time of the Nigerian civil war, Abak Division was the major producer of palm oil and also kernels that are exported through river ports at Ntak Ibesit and Ikot Okoro. Abak is blessed and flourishes with natural resources such as Rich mineral deposits like clay, salt sand, gravel, and crude oil (corked). Abak local government is situated in the tropical rain forest that supplies abundant cassava, palm produce, and various vegetables.