- Eno described seaport development as a long-term undertaking that requires patience rather than quick results
- He assured that the project, which began over two decades ago, would eventually be completed
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged stakeholders to avoid turning the Ibom Deep Seaport project into a political issue, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to completing the long-awaited initiative.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that he explained that closer cooperation with the federal government under the All Progressives Congress is part of efforts to fast-track the project, stressing that alignment with the centre is key to achieving meaningful progress.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Easter Celebration: Sanwo-Olu Encourages Love, Sacrifice, Coexistence
- Enough Is Enough Defend Yourselves’ – CAN Urges Northern Christians
- NLC Orders Street Protests Over Minimum Wage
Despite this, some critics have expressed concerns over the pace of development.
Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday while receiving the project’s feasibility report, Eno described seaport development as a long-term undertaking that requires patience rather than quick results.
He assured that the project, which began over two decades ago, would eventually be completed.
The governor also acknowledged the contributions of past leaders, including former governor Victor Attah, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and immediate past governor Udom Emmanuel, for laying the groundwork.
He praised the committee responsible for the feasibility study for its thorough and professional efforts.
Eno outlined several actions already taken by his administration, such as financing a comprehensive feasibility study, preparing investment briefs, building access roads, carrying out technical surveys, and setting up a dedicated project office.
He added that the state is working to integrate transport and infrastructure systems, pointing to extensive road construction, expansion of Ibom Air, upgrades at the Victor Attah International Airport, and ongoing maritime investments in Oron.
Reiterating his focus on results, the governor said efforts are being coordinated to bring all aspects of the seaport project forward with clear timelines.
He also directed the Commissioner of Finance, Emem Bob, to design training programmes that will equip young people with the skills needed for the project’s construction and operation phases.
Presenting the report, committee chairman Mfon Usoro said the seaport is expected to boost economic growth, expand port capacity, and enhance business activities through a Public-Private Partnership model.
A former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, she noted that the port would support industrialisation by linking with the Ibom Industrial City and operating as a Free Trade Zone.
Usoro highlighted progress made so far, including the appointment of programme managers and global advisers, completion of feasibility studies, and a transparent bidding process that identified preferred investors.
She explained that the next phases will focus on building core infrastructure such as terminals and breakwaters, alongside engineering design, financial planning, road construction, investor engagement, land acquisition, and regulatory processes involving the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority and the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Calling for patience, Usoro noted that large-scale port projects around the world often take many years to complete.
Earlier in March 2026, Governor Eno had similarly appealed to residents to remain patient with both the seaport and ongoing power sector reforms, emphasising that significant groundwork has already been laid.
FURTHER READING
