President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State, raising hopes of a major boost to maritime trade, industrial development, investment and employment in the South-South region.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, while responding to a request by Governor Umo Eno during a reception and All Progressives Congress (APC) rally organised in his honour.
The approval followed Eno’s appeal for the federal government to fulfil its commitment to the project, which he described as a critical economic priority for Akwa Ibom and the wider Nigerian economy.
Acknowledging the governor’s request, Tinubu said the proposed seaport must deliver inclusive development, create economic value and improve the livelihoods of the people.
“Now, development must be even inclusive and reasonable, must bring progress and create economic value. I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port,” the President said.
After restating the request, Tinubu turned to the crowd and asked, “Will you vote?” He subsequently declared, “Okay, it’s approved.”
Earlier, Eno had promised that Akwa Ibom would mobilise two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the federal government approved the seaport project.
“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,” the governor said.
Eno described the project as the most important economic demand of the people, arguing that its completion would transform the state’s maritime industry, attract international investments and create thousands of jobs.
“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 added.
The governor recalled that the project, initially conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, had remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns.
He also said Akwa Ibom’s decision to join the APC was informed by the need to strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government and attract greater federal investment.
Tinubu’s approval came against the backdrop of his 2023 presidential campaign promise at the same stadium to facilitate the development of a deep seaport in Akwa Ibom, citing the Lekki Deep Seaport project in Lagos as an example of the infrastructure he hoped to replicate.
The President was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration before attending the political rally.
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