Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt –– The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom State has raised concerns over what it describes as a missed economic opportunity for the state, following Nigeria’s £746 million port modernization deal focused solely on Lagos, with no provision for the Ibom Deep Sea Port.
The party criticized Governor Umo Eno’s presence at the London signing ceremony, arguing that the exclusion of Akwa Ibom from a major maritime investment undermines the state’s long-touted ambitions to become a key player in Nigeria’s blue economy.
In a strongly worded statement signed by State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ewa Okpo, the opposition party expressed “utter disappointment and frustration” over what it described as the growing gap between the governor’s promises and the reality of the Ibom Deep Sea Port project.
“Why should Gov. Umo Eno escort President Tinubu to London to sign £746 million contract for Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos and nothing for Ibom Deep Sea Port?” the party queried.
The PDP recalled that Governor Eno had earlier linked his political alignment with the ruling party to the realization of the Ibom Deep Sea Port.
“Pastor Umo Eno claimed that Ibom Deep Sea Port was the reason he was defecting to APC in order to connect to the centre to actualize it,” the statement said, adding that recent federal actions appear to favor other states instead.
The party referenced the March 19, 2026 agreement between Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance and Citi Bank to upgrade Lagos ports, noting that the deal aims to “ease congestion, improve efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s trade capacity.”
However, the PDP argued that expanding port infrastructure beyond Lagos would better serve national economic interests.
“What better way is there to ease congestion… than to expand and diversify our port options to include Ibom Deep Sea Port?” the statement read.
The opposition further challenged the governor to account for his role during the London trip.
“We therefore call on Gov. Umo Eno to tell Akwa Ibom people how much of the £746 million he has been able to renegotiate in the interest of Ibom Deep Sea Port or what alternative deal he was able to negotiate,” it demanded.
In a more pointed remark, the party questioned the governor’s priorities, alleging possible personal interests.
“For a man who loves money and spending, it is unbelievable that he will let over N1 trillion escape, or has he negotiated some undisclosed benefits for himself?” the statement added.
The PDP concluded by warning that the people of Akwa Ibom are closely watching developments, insisting that “the governor’s incompetence is becoming clearer every passing day.”
