Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the long-planned Ibom Deep Seaport, describing its realisation as a key milestone for Nigeria’s maritime and industrial future. The governor received the project’s feasibility report from a technical committee at Government House in Uyo, marking a significant step in advancing the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative.
Governor Eno praised the committee for its detailed and professional work, noting that his administration has taken deliberate measures to move the project forward. These include funding feasibility studies, preparing investor documentation, and conducting essential technical assessments. He acknowledged that deep seaport development is a complex and time-intensive process, urging patience and thorough planning to ensure its successful delivery.
The chairman of the technical committee, Mfon Usoro, a maritime lawyer and former director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), outlined the project’s framework. She said the Ibom Deep Seaport is structured as a public-private partnership designed to drive economic growth, expand Nigeria’s port capacity, and improve ease of doing business. The seaport is also positioned to serve as a major transshipment hub, integrating with the Ibom Industrial City to boost industrialisation and regional trade.
Usoro stressed that such capital-intensive projects often require extended timelines, with similar developments worldwide taking up to two decades from conception to completion. She emphasised that careful execution is essential to ensure long-term sustainability and economic impact.
Once operational, the Ibom Deep Seaport is expected to enhance Nigeria’s maritime capacity, alleviate congestion at existing ports, and generate substantial employment opportunities. Governor Eno reiterated that the project remains a strategic priority for Akwa Ibom State and a vital component of Nigeria’s broader infrastructure and economic development agenda.
