President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State following a request by Governor Umo Eno during his visit to the state on Friday.
Tinubu announced the approval at a reception and rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where he was received by the governor and other political leaders.
The President, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, said the proposed seaport must promote inclusive development, generate economic value and improve the lives of residents.
Responding to the governor’s request, Tinubu declared, “Okay, it’s approved,” after asking the crowd whether they would vote.
The approval followed a pledge by Eno that Akwa Ibom State would deliver two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government approved and facilitated the development of the seaport.
Earlier, the governor had appealed to the President to fulfil the long-standing demand for the project, describing it as a major economic investment capable of transforming Akwa Ibom, the South-South region and the country.
“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 seaport as the most important economic demand of the people of Akwa Ibom, saying its development would expand the state’s maritime and industrial activities while creating employment opportunities.
He noted that the people of the state had remained supportive of Tinubu since 2023 and were seeking the fulfilment of his earlier promise to establish the facility.
Tinubu had pledged to build the deep seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium, citing the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, as an example of the kind of maritime infrastructure he hoped to establish in Akwa Ibom.
The Ibom Deep Seaport, initially conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, has remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns.
Eno said the proposed facility would serve as a major transhipment hub, facilitate international trade and attract investments to the state.
“This seaport would serve as a major transhipment hub. It will create thousands of jobs for our people. It will open Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment,” he said.
The governor also linked the state’s defection to the All Progressives Congress to its desire for stronger collaboration with the Federal Government and increased federal presence in Akwa Ibom.
He assured the President of the state’s readiness to mobilise support for his re-election in 2027, describing the approval of the seaport as a major expected benefit of the Tinubu administration to the state.
