Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says the long-anticipated Ibom Deep Seaport project has moved closer to implementation following fresh federal approvals, marking a significant milestone in the state’s push to become a major maritime and logistics hub in Nigeria.
Speaking during his third anniversary address titled “Promises Made and Promises Fulfilled: Onward to Arise 2.0”, Eno said the project remains central to his administration’s economic diversification agenda.
“In the area of Ibom Deep Seaport, the Federal Government recently approved certifications and compliance processes as one of the five to be so approved. Let me take the opportunity to thank the President for this kind approval,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the deep seaport, describing it as a long-term catalyst for trade, industrialization, and job creation across the Gulf of Guinea corridor.
“We will pursue the actualization of the Ibom Deep Seaport by the Grace of God and with your support,” Eno declared.
He said the project sits within a wider infrastructure ecosystem designed to position Akwa Ibom as an investment destination in the region.
According to him, the state has already delivered over 1,300km of roads and 40 bridges to open up economic corridors and improve connectivity.
He also highlighted rural development interventions, including model healthcare centres, schools, and markets across all 31 local government areas.
Eno noted that his administration recently approved N7.3 billion for women cooperatives across 369 wards, alongside solar-powered borehole projects to enhance water access.
He said tourism infrastructure is also being developed, including the Arise Palm Resort, International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotels, and Arise Shopping City.
The governor added that aviation investments, including Ibom Air expansion, international flight operations, and airport infrastructure upgrades, are designed to complement the deep seaport vision.
He said housing clusters, including aviation, medical, legislative, and judiciary villages, are part of a broader urban renewal strategy.
Eno maintained that all these investments are interconnected, forming a logistics and industrial ecosystem anchored on the Ibom Deep Seaport as a future growth hub.
