President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State, raising hopes for a major maritime and industrial hub in the South-South region.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday while responding to a request by Governor Umo Eno during a reception held 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 the proposed seaport must promote inclusive growth, create economic value and improve the lives of the people.
“I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port,” Tinubu said.
After repeating the request, he asked the crowd, “Will you vote?” before declaring, “Okay, It’s approved.”
The approval followed a strong appeal by Eno, who described the seaport as the most important economic project sought by the people of Akwa Ibom.
The governor said the facility would unlock economic opportunities across the state, the South-South region and Nigeria, while creating thousands of jobs and opening Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment.
“This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” Eno said.
He also said the facility would serve as a major transhipment hub, strengthening the state’s maritime and industrial sectors.
The project, originally conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, has remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns.
Tinubu had promised to build the seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium, citing the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as an example of what he hoped to achieve in Akwa Ibom.
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Eno reminded the President of that commitment, saying residents had remained loyal to him since 2023 and were expecting the Federal Government to fulfil its promise.
The governor also pledged that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the seaport project was delivered.
He said the state’s alignment with the All Progressives Congress was also intended to strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government and attract more development.
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