Governor Eno Receives Ibom Deep Seaport Feasibility Report, Pledges Continued Push for Project Delivery
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has formally received the comprehensive feasibility report for the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, strongly reiterating his administration's unwavering intention to propel the long-planned project toward tangible implementation. The pivotal report was presented on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Uyo by the project's dedicated technical committee, marking a significant milestone in the state's infrastructure development agenda.
Framework for Implementation and Investor Engagement
Governor Eno emphasized that the newly delivered document provides a much clearer and more structured framework for the crucial next phase of development. This phase will focus intensely on attracting vital investors and meticulously structuring the project's delivery mechanism. He commended the technical committee, led by Chairman Mfon Usoro, for their diligent work, noting that the findings offer essential strategic direction. The seaport is anticipated to dramatically expand maritime capacity and robustly support heightened economic activity within Akwa Ibom State and across the broader region.
Mfon Usoro, the committee chairman, detailed that the seaport is specifically designed to be delivered through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement. This model is strategically intended to alleviate financing constraints while actively encouraging substantial private sector participation and expertise. She further explained that the port would be integrally linked to the Ibom Industrial City and would operate within a Free Trade Zone framework. The overarching plan is to strategically position it as a major regional transhipment hub, thereby significantly supporting enhanced trade flows and facilitating expanded industrial operations.
Acknowledging Legacy and Ensuring Continuity
Governor Eno thoughtfully acknowledged the foundational role played by previous state administrations in advancing the project over the years. He specifically referenced the contributions of former governors Victor Attah, Udom Emmanuel, and Godswill Akpabio—who currently serves as President of the Nigerian Senate—highlighting that progress on this initiative has been cumulative. The governor issued a caution against politicizing the large-scale undertaking, describing major port development as a long-term endeavor that fundamentally requires policy continuity, sustained commitment, and coordinated effort across governmental tiers.
He outlined concrete steps already undertaken under his administration, including the provision of funding for updated technical studies, comprehensive surveys, and the establishment of a dedicated project office. Governor Eno also pointed to related infrastructure investments, such as ongoing road expansion projects and continuous developments in the state's aviation sector, notably the operations of Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Next Steps: Engagement and Infrastructure Development
The governor stated that immediate attention will now decisively shift towards proactively engaging potential investors and key stakeholders. The technical committee is expected to provide ongoing support to facilitate discussions aimed at moving the project closer to physical execution. Plans are also actively underway to introduce specialized training programmes designed to prepare and skill the local workforce for future roles linked to the port's eventual operations, ensuring community benefit and employment.
Usoro revealed that preliminary work on the project has comprehensively covered areas including financial modelling, rigorous due diligence, and the selection of preferred bidders through an international competitive process. The forthcoming stage, she added, will concentrate on core physical infrastructure development. This includes the construction of critical breakwaters, modern container terminals, and efficient access routes, alongside necessary regulatory processes involving federal agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority.
She noted that port projects of this immense scale and complexity typically require extended timelines due to their substantial technical and financial demands, underscoring the need for persistent effort.
Collaborative Effort for Economic Transformation
The presentation event drew attendance from senior state government officials, industry representatives, and federal agency delegates, reflecting the continued and essential collaboration between public institutions and private investors on the proposed seaport. For Akwa Ibom State, the Ibom Deep Seaport project remains a central pillar of its long-term economic planning and transformation strategy. State authorities have clearly indicated that sustained, high-level coordination will be absolutely required to successfully translate the current planning and feasibility phase into eventual construction and, ultimately, full operational status for the port.
