President Bola Tinubu has approved the construction of the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, raising hopes of a major economic transformation for the South-South region.
The President made the announcement on Friday during a reception organised in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Governor Umo Eno appealed to the Federal Government to move the project forward.
Tinubu was in Akwa Ibom to commission projects completed by the state government when Eno presented the deep seaport as one of the most important needs of his people. Responding to the request, the President announced his approval, drawing excitement from the crowd.
The announcement came after Eno promised that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if the Federal Government approved the project.
According to the governor, the seaport would go beyond benefiting Akwa Ibom, as it has the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime industry, attract foreign investment and create thousands of employment opportunities.
Eno described the project as a major economic priority for the state, explaining that its completion would position Akwa Ibom as an important destination for international trade and commercial activities.
The Ibom Deep Seaport, initially conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, has remained unrealised for several years despite repeated promises by successive political leaders.
Tinubu had also pledged support for the project during his 2023 presidential campaign in Uyo, referencing the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos as an example of the kind of development he hoped to replicate in Akwa Ibom.
Eno further explained that the project would serve as a major transhipment centre, opening new economic opportunities for the state, the South-South region and the country.
The governor also linked Akwa Ibom’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) to its desire for stronger cooperation with the Federal Government and increased development.
He assured the President of the state’s political support ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the approval of the deep seaport as a significant step towards fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people.
