President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State, raising hopes of increased economic activities, job creation and investment opportunities in the South-South region.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday while responding to a request by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, during a reception and rally organised in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The President, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, said development must be inclusive, create economic value and improve the lives of Nigerians.
Responding to the governor’s appeal for the establishment of the deep seaport, Tinubu acknowledged the request and subsequently declared: “Okay, it’s approved.”
Tinubu Approves Ibom Deep Seaport After Governor’s Appeal
The approval followed an appeal by Governor Umo Eno, who described the Ibom Deep Seaport as a major economic priority for the people of Akwa Ibom.
During his address, Eno urged the Federal Government to prioritise the project, explaining that its completion would unlock significant economic opportunities for the state, the South-South region and Nigeria.
The governor also pledged that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if the Federal Government facilitated the development of the seaport.
“Give us Ibom Deep Seaport, we will deliver two million votes. This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” Eno said.
Ibom Deep Seaport Expected to Create Jobs, Attract Investment
Governor Eno described the proposed seaport as a transformative project capable of reshaping Akwa Ibom’s maritime, industrial and employment sectors.
According to him, the facility would serve as a major transhipment hub, create thousands of employment opportunities and position the state as an important destination for international trade and investment.
He added that the project represents one of the most significant economic demands of the people of Akwa Ibom.
The governor maintained that the people of the state had remained supportive of Tinubu since the 2023 presidential election and were looking forward to the fulfilment of his commitment to the deep seaport project.
History of the Ibaka Deep Seaport Project
The Ibom Deep Seaport, originally conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, dates back to the administration of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Victor Attah.
Despite featuring prominently in successive political campaigns and development discussions, the project has remained unrealised for decades.
Tinubu had previously promised to support the development of the deep seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
At the time, he referenced the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos as an example of the kind of major maritime infrastructure development he hoped to replicate in Akwa Ibom.
Akwa Ibom Aligns With Federal Government Over Development
Governor Eno also highlighted his administration’s decision to align Akwa Ibom State with the Federal Government by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He explained that the move was aimed at strengthening cooperation with the Federal Government and attracting more federal projects and development opportunities to the state.
Eno assured Tinubu of the state’s support ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport as a major development that could deliver lasting economic benefits to Akwa Ibom and the wider Nigerian economy.
Tinubu’s announcement has renewed attention on the long-awaited maritime project, although its implementation will depend on the necessary planning, financing, regulatory approvals and construction processes.
If fully realised, the Ibom Deep Seaport could strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, expand international trade opportunities and create new economic opportunities across the South-South region.
