By Solomon OKPO
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to actualize the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project, expressing optimism that the initiative will finally come to fruition after over two decades of planning.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, during the presentation of the project’s feasibility report, Governor Eno described the seaport as a strategic economic asset capable of transforming the state and boosting Nigeria’s maritime capacity.
The feasibility report was presented by the Technical Committee led by Mfon Usoro, who outlined the project’s economic potential, noting that it would drive industrialization, enhance ease of doing business, and position Akwa Ibom as a major transshipment hub through a Public-Private Partnership framework.
Governor Eno commended the committee for what he termed a thorough and professional job, assuring that his administration would build on the momentum generated to attract investors and ensure timely execution.
He paid tribute to past leaders, including Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel, for laying the groundwork for the project. He, however, cautioned against politicizing the initiative, stressing that “deep seaport development is not a sprint but a marathon.”
Highlighting efforts already made by his administration, the governor listed the completion of a comprehensive feasibility study, preparation of investor fact sheets, construction of access roads, and establishment of a dedicated project office. He also pointed to broader infrastructure investments, including over 1,300 kilometers of roads, expansion of Ibom Air, and upgrades at Victor Attah International Airport, as part of an integrated development strategy linking land, air, and maritime sectors.
According to him, the government has now consolidated all aspects of the project with clear timelines, adding that the technical committee has been mandated to intensify investor engagement and public sensitization.
“If we succeed with this project, Akwa Ibom wins,” the governor stated, underscoring the far-reaching economic benefits of the seaport.
In a move to ensure local participation, Governor Eno directed the Commissioner for Special Duties to design training programmes for youths to equip them with relevant skills required during the construction and operational phases.
Earlier, Mrs. Usoro disclosed that significant milestones had already been achieved, including the appointment of programme managers and global transaction advisers, completion of due diligence and financial modelling, and the emergence of preferred bidders through a transparent international bidding process.
She outlined priority phases of the project to include the development of core infrastructure such as container terminals, breakwaters, and naval berths, alongside engineering designs, market studies, investment roadshows, and regulatory engagements with relevant federal agencies.
Appealing for patience, she noted that deep seaport projects worldwide typically span up to two decades from conception to commissioning due to their complexity and capital intensity.
The event drew a high-profile audience, including Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; and other top government officials, former public office holders, and representatives of federal agencies.
The presence of officials from the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated and other stakeholders underscored the collaborative effort required between state, federal institutions, and private investors to deliver the Ibom Deep Seaport project.
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