The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to realising the Ibom Deep Seaport Project.
The Governor speaking at Government House, Uyo, during the presentation of the project’s feasibility report by a Technical Committee led by Mrs Mfon Usoro assured that the long-conceived initiative will materialise.
Receiving the report, Governor Eno applauded the committee’s dedication and professionalism, stating, “I commend the Technical Committee for their thorough and professional work, and appreciate past leaders who laid the foundation for this project. The Ibom Deep Seaport is not a sprint but a marathon, and we are taking deliberate steps to ensure its success.”
He also paid tribute to former leaders including Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel, and cautioned against politicising the project.
Highlighting steps taken by his administration, the Governor listed funding of feasibility studies, preparation of investor fact sheets, construction of access roads, geophysical and geotechnical studies, and establishment of a project office.
Governor Eno also cited the integration of land, air, and maritime sectors, including over 1,300 kilometers of roads, expansion of Ibom Air, upgrades at Victor Attah International Airport, and maritime investments in Oron.
Reaffirming a results-driven approach, he said, “We decided to bring everyone together and move all aspects of the deep seaport project to the front burner to enable us aggregate exactly what we need to do with timelines. If we succeed with this project, Akwa Ibom wins.”
Governor Eno further directed the Commissioner for Special Duties to develop training initiatives for youths to ensure availability of skilled manpower for the project.
Earlier, Mrs. Usoro said the project is designed to drive economic growth, expand Nigeria’s port capacity, and improve ease of doing business through a Public-Private Partnership model, noting that as one of the largest deep-sea ports in the region, it would integrate with the Ibom Industrial City as a Free Trade Zone and serve as a major transshipment hub.
She detailed milestones including engagement of programme managers, appointment of global transaction advisors, completion of feasibility studies, due diligence, financial modelling, and a transparent international bidding process that produced preferred bidders.
Mrs. Usoro outlined priority phases such as infrastructure development, including container terminals, breakwaters, and Navy berths, alongside Front-End Engineering Design, market studies, port access roads, investment roadshows, land acquisition, Free Trade Zone license regularisation with the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, and re-engagement with the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Usoro appealed for patience, noting that similar projects globally often take up to 20 years from conception to commissioning.
Governor Eno expressed confidence in the project’s outcome, stating, “With feasibility studies completed, investor engagements ongoing, and key infrastructure plans in place, we are moving steadily towards actualisation.This project will drive industrialisation, expand trade, and position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime and economic hub.”
He concluded, “I remain confident that with sustained effort, collaboration, and God’s grace, the Ibom Deep Seaport will materialise for the benefit of our people.”
Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated and other relevant government agencies were also present, underscoring collaboration between state, federal institutions, and private investors.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi; former Ministers Umana Okon Umana and Don Etiebet; former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere; Senator Effiong Bob; Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Civil Service Elsie Peters; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor Aniefiok Johnson; Legislators led by the Speaker, Hon. Udeme Otong; Dean of Commissioners Mkpisong Frank Archibong with all commissioners, and the Chairmen of 31 Local Government Areas.