Eno seeks FG’s support for Ibom Deep Sea Port

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, urged President Bola Tinubu to support the development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, describing it as a game changer for the state, the South-South region, and Nigeria’s economic growth.

Eno made the appeal when he led a high-powered delegation of Akwa Ibom stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, and business representatives, to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The governor said that once completed, the Ibom Deep Sea Port will open up new economic opportunities, particularly in exportation, logistics, and manufacturing, and significantly contribute to the country’s non-oil revenue.

“This port will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for our people. It will also ease congestion at existing ports, improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business, and serve as a gateway for international trade.

“No state government can build a deep sea port alone. We need the federal government’s support to make this a reality. The Ibom Deep Sea Port has the potential to transform not just Akwa Ibom but the entire country by expanding our maritime economy, creating jobs, and reducing pressure on existing ports in Lagos and Rivers State,” Governor Eno said.

The Ibom Deep Sea Port, with a natural depth of 17.2 meters, is set to be the deepest in Nigeria, making it suitable for handling large cargo vessels.

The project, which is part of the Ibom Industrial City, is expected to attract foreign direct investment, boost trade, and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

Eno explained that while the Akwa Ibom government has already made significant investments in the project, including the construction of access roads and other supporting infrastructure, the federal government’s partnership is crucial to completing and operationalizing the port.

“We are already building roads leading to the deep sea port, and we have provided other necessary infrastructure. However, for this project to come to fruition, we need federal government backing, both in terms of policy support and funding.”

Eno also used the opportunity to seek the President’s intervention in addressing Akwa Ibom’s ecological challenges and infrastructure development.

Also speaking after the meeting, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, praised President Tinubu, describing the visit as a historic show of unity among Akwa Ibom leaders.

“Mr. President opened his doors, welcomed us with open arms, and made one statement that answered all questions—he said he is a member of the Akwa Ibom family.”

Udom lauded Eno for successfully bringing together leaders across party divides, stating that such unity fosters peace and progress in the state.

“This is unprecedented. Once there is unity, there is peace, and peace brings progress. I am impressed that almost all our past leaders, senators, and National Assembly members, past and present, were here. This is a great step forward.”