Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, expressing confidence that the initiative will come to fruition.
The governor gave the assurance at the Government House in Uyo during the presentation of the project’s feasibility report, where he commended the committee for a detailed and professional job.
He also paid tribute to past leaders, including Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel, for their roles in advancing the project, while cautioning against its politicisation.
Governor Eno noted that key steps such as feasibility studies, investor engagement, and infrastructure planning have been undertaken, and directed the Commissioner for Special Duties to develop training programmes for youths to ensure skilled manpower for both construction and operations.
Presenting the report, Committee Chairman Mfon Usoro said the seaport is designed to drive economic growth, expand Nigeria’s port capacity, and improve ease of doing business through a Public-Private Partnership model. She added that it would support industrialisation by integrating with the Ibom Industrial City and serve as a major transshipment hub.
Usoro outlined progress made so far, including the engagement of programme managers, appointment of global transaction advisors, completion of feasibility studies, due diligence, financial modelling, and a transparent international bidding process that has produced preferred bidders.
She appealed for patience, noting that seaport development is complex and can take up to two decades from conception to completion.