Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, expressing confidence that the initiative—conceived over two decades ago—will be completed.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Government House, Uyo, during the presentation of the project’s feasibility report by a Technical Committee, Governor Eno described the project as a critical driver of economic growth and industrialization in the state and beyond.
He commended the Committee for what he called a thorough and professional job, noting that their work has provided a clear pathway for the project’s execution.
Chairman of the Committee, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, a maritime lawyer and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said the seaport is designed to expand Nigeria’s port capacity and improve ease of doing business through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
According to her, the project will integrate with the Ibom Industrial City and operate as a Free Trade Zone, positioning it as a major transshipment hub and one of the largest deep-sea ports in the region.
Governor Eno paid tribute to former leaders who initiated and advanced the project, including former Governors Victor Attah and Udom Emmanuel, as well as Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He cautioned against politicizing the initiative, stressing that seaport development is “not a sprint but a marathon.”
The governor highlighted steps already taken by his administration, including funding a comprehensive feasibility study, developing investor fact sheets, constructing access roads, and carrying out geophysical and geotechnical investigations. He also cited ongoing infrastructure expansion across the state, including road construction, aviation upgrades, and maritime investments.
“We have brought all aspects of the deep seaport project to the front burner to clearly define timelines and deliverables,” he said, urging stakeholders to work collaboratively. “If we succeed with this project, Akwa Ibom wins.”
Eno also directed the Commissioner for Special Duties to initiate youth training programmes to ensure the availability of skilled manpower for the project.
Mrs. Usoro disclosed that significant milestones have been achieved, including the appointment of programme managers and transaction advisors, completion of feasibility studies and financial modelling, and a transparent international bidding process that has produced preferred bidders.
She outlined the project’s next phases to include infrastructure development such as container terminals and breakwaters, as well as Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), investment roadshows, land acquisition, and regulatory engagements with relevant federal agencies.
While appealing for patience, she noted that port development projects worldwide are complex and can take up to 20 years from conception to completion.
The event was attended by top government officials, political leaders, and representatives of federal agencies, highlighting strong collaboration toward the realization of the project.
