Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has conveyed optimism that the Ibom Deepsea port project, initiated by previous administrations to expand the economic base of Akwa Ibom State, will be realised.
The seaport, which has a natural draught, has been on the drawing board since 2016 but has yet to materialise despite concerted efforts.
Speaking during the presentation of the project’s feasibility report by the Technical Committee, he emphasised that deep seaport development is “not a sprint but a marathon.”
He highlighted decisive steps taken by his administration, including funding a full feasibility study, preparing investor fact sheets, constructing access roads, conducting geophysical and geotechnical studies, and establishing a project office in the State.
“We decided to bring everyone together and move all aspects of the deep seaport project to the front burner to enable us to identify exactly what we need to do with timelines.”
He urged the Committee to actively engage investors and the people, adding, “If we succeed with this project, Akwa Ibom wins.”
Receiving the report, the Governor commended the Committee for their detailed and professional work, praising their dedication and commitment to the project’s success.
Presenting the report, the Committee Chairman, Mfon Usoro, a maritime lawyer, said the project was designed to drive economic growth, expand Nigeria’s port capacity, and improve ease of doing business through a Public-Private Partnership model.
She noted that the seaport would accelerate industrialisation by integrating with the Ibom Industrial City, and as a Free Trade Zone, it is positioned to become a majortranshipmentt hub and one of the largest deep-sea ports in the region.
Usoro outlined milestones already achieved, including engagement of Programme Managers, appointment of global transaction advisors, completion of feasibility studies, due diligence, financial modelling, and a transparent international bidding process that identified preferred bidders.
She highlighted the project’s priority phases, starting with infrastructure development, including container terminals, main and secondary breakwaters, and Navy berths.
Other key activities include Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), market and financial studies, port access road construction, investment roadshows, marketing of the Ibom Industrial City, land acquisition, regularisation of Free Trade Zone licenses with the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, and re-engagement with the Nigerian Ports Authority on concession negotiations.
She appealed for patience from the public, explaining that port development is complex and time-consuming, noting that similar projects worldwide often take up to 20 years from conception to commissioning.
Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated and relevant government agencies were also present, highlighting the collaborative effort between the state, federal entities, and private investors to ensure the successful realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport Project.
