Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s push to attract investment into the state’s power and maritime sectors, expressing optimism that recent engagements in the United Kingdom will yield tangible economic benefits.
Speaking to journalists at Victor Attah International Airport on his return from the UK, where he accompanied President Bola Tinubu on a state visit, the governor said the trip provided an opportunity to interface with key investors, particularly in the energy sector.
“We expect something good from the interaction. It takes a lot of work, whether it is Ibom Deep Seaport or power, it takes a lot of work,” Eno said.
The governor emphasized that his administration has already made “giant strides” in reforming the power sector, although he acknowledged that results would take time.
“It is not a walk in the park, things don’t happen overnight,” he noted.
Addressing concerns over the Ibom Deep Seaport project, a key component of the state’s long-term economic strategy, Eno said the government has completed feasibility studies and is actively engaging investors.
“We are engaging investors on the Ibom Deep Seaport. We just finished paying for the feasibility studies of that Seaport. It takes processes to get things done,” he said.
He urged residents to remain patient, stressing that the projects are being pursued methodically to ensure sustainability and success.
“I want the seaport like yesterday. I want power like yesterday. But we would like to go through these processes and I know that by the grace of God, we will get there,” he added.
The governor also expressed concern over the ongoing national power outage, reiterating his administration’s determination to improve electricity supply in the state.
“We are moving inch by inch, but we have good engagements, and people are showing interest,” he concluded.
SweetCrude Reports noted that the success of these initiatives could significantly boost Akwa Ibom’s competitiveness in energy and maritime trade, positioning the state as a key investment destination in southern Nigeria.
