Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to deliver the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport, positioning the project as a major economic catalyst for the state and the wider South-South region.
Governor Umo Eno restated this commitment at the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signing ceremony between the state government and the Interaf Group Consortium at the Government House, Uyo, marking a fresh push to actualise the decades-old maritime infrastructure project.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the governor described the deep seaport as a necessity rather than a luxury for Akwa Ibom, stressing that his administration is determined to provide all required support to ensure timely delivery.
“This project is a necessity for the people of Akwa Ibom State, and our administration is fully committed to putting all the necessary requirements in place to get it on course,” the governor said.
Governor Eno urged the consortium to work closely with the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, which represents the state’s interests in the project, to ensure effective coordination and successful execution.
He also commended the consortium for its interest in the project and acknowledged the role of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Atuekong Don Etiebet, describing his involvement as critical to the renewed momentum around the deep seaport initiative.
Speaking at the event, Atuekong Don Etiebet praised Governor Eno’s leadership style, noting that his administration has brought visible transformation to the state.
“The Ibom Deep Seaport project was first conceived in 2007, and today’s MoU marks a significant milestone towards its realisation,” Etiebet said.
“The governor’s visionary and impactful leadership has positioned Akwa Ibom on a stronger development trajectory.”
On his part, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Interaf Group Consortium, Engr. Ezinwa Chinedu Ibekwe, expressed appreciation to the state government for the confidence reposed in the consortium, assuring that the project would be delivered through partnership and transparency.
“We are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Akwa Ibom State Government, and we are fully ready to deliver on this mandate,” Ibekwe said.
“We will adopt a collaborative approach to ensure the successful development and operation of the Ibom Deep Seaport and the Ibom Industrial City.”
The MoU outlines the modalities and preliminary framework for collaboration between the state government and the consortium in respect of the development and operation of the deep seaport and the Ibom Industrial City, both seen as strategic assets for industrialization, trade expansion and job creation.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Hon. Uko Udom, SAN, Managing Director of AKICORP, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, and other top government officials.
The Ibom Deep Seaport is expected to enhance Nigeria’s port capacity, decongest existing ports, attract foreign investment and unlock new opportunities across the oil, gas, manufacturing and logistics value chains.
