Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced a major milestone in the long-delayed Ibom Deep Seaport project, revealing that the feasibility report has now been completed as the state intensifies investor engagement to drive execution.
The development signals renewed momentum behind one of Nigeria’s most strategic maritime infrastructure projects, expected to boost trade, logistics, and industrial growth in the Niger Delta.
“Today, I received the feasibility report for the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, a major step forward in our commitment to realizing this long-standing vision,” Eno said.
He commended the technical team behind the study, describing their work as critical to unlocking the project’s next phase.
“I commend the Technical Committee for their thorough and professional work, and appreciate past leaders who laid the foundation for this project,” he added.
From a business perspective, the completion of the feasibility study is a key de-risking milestone, often required to attract private capital into large-scale port infrastructure under public-private partnership arrangements.
The governor emphasized that the project is being approached with long-term discipline rather than haste.
“The Ibom Deep Seaport is not a sprint but a marathon, and we are taking deliberate steps to ensure its success,” he said.
According to him, ongoing investor engagements and supporting infrastructure plans are already positioning the project for take-off.
“With feasibility studies completed, investor engagements ongoing, and key infrastructure plans in place, we are moving steadily towards actualization,” Eno stated.
He projected that the seaport would serve as a major economic catalyst for the state and the wider region.
“This project will drive industrialization, expand trade, and position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime and economic hub,” he said.
Ibom Deep Seaport, if delivered, could complement existing and proposed ports across Nigeria, easing congestion and strengthening export capacity—particularly for oil, gas, and non-oil commodities.
Eno expressed optimism that sustained collaboration and investment would ultimately bring the project to fruition.
“I remain confident that with sustained effort, collaboration, and God’s grace, the Ibom Deep Seaport will materialize for the benefit of our people,” he said.
