President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State following a request by Governor Umo Eno.
The President, who was in the state to commission projects completed by the Eno administration, said the proposed seaport must encourage inclusive development, create economic opportunities and deliver meaningful benefits to Nigerians.
Responding to the governor’s appeal, Tinubu acknowledged receiving the request on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom before declaring, “Okay, it’s approved.”
The approval came after Governor Eno promised that the state would deliver two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government facilitated the construction of the seaport.
“Give us Ibom Deep Seaport, we will deliver two million votes. This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” Eno said.
The governor described the project as the most important economic demand of the people, stressing that it would transform the state’s maritime and industrial sectors while generating thousands of jobs.
According to him, the facility would make Akwa Ibom a major centre for international trade, investment and maritime operations.
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Eno recalled that the project, originally conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City under former Governor Victor Attah, had remained uncompleted for several decades despite featuring in successive political campaigns.
He explained that the proposed seaport would function as a major transhipment hub, connect the state to international markets and boost economic activities across the South-South region.
The governor also recalled that Tinubu had pledged to establish the deep seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium, using the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as a model for the proposed facility.
Eno maintained that Akwa Ibom had consistently supported the President since 2023 and expected the fulfilment of the promise as part of its development priorities.
He added that the state’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress was intended to strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government and attract additional development opportunities.
The governor reaffirmed Akwa Ibom’s support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the proposed seaport as a major economic benefit that would positively impact the state and the wider Nigerian economy.
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