Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Government to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Government for the establishment and realisation of the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project, a multi-billion-dollar maritime infrastructure expected to transform Nigeria’s participation in global marine trade.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on the floor of the House by Hon. Unyime Idem, member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, and co-sponsored by the other nine members of the Akwa Ibom caucus.
Hon. Idem, while presenting the motion, stressed that the Ibom Deep Seaport holds strategic importance for Nigeria’s blue economy and industrial growth, describing it as a “sleeping giant” that must be awakened to position the country as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
“The global economy is increasingly shaped by marine trade and the blue economy, which encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation,” Idem said.
“Unfortunately, these resources remain largely untapped in Akwa Ibom State, leading to lost foreign investment and reduced economic opportunities that could uplift millions of Nigerians.”
Under the directive, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA; the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; and other relevant agencies are to work jointly with the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure the full implementation and realisation of the project.
According to Hon. Idem, the NPA had projected that the Ibom Deep Seaport could attract over $5.6 billion in investments, drive export competitiveness, and open up new logistics and shipping opportunities for Nigeria.
He lamented that the prolonged delay in the project’s take-off has hindered the development of intermodal transport systems, weakened Nigeria’s export competitiveness, and slowed the growth of the maritime sector.
“When realised, the Ibom Deep Seaport will directly stimulate local economies, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, catalyse industrial growth, strengthen maritime value chains, and facilitate the full implementation of Export Processing Zones, EPZ, blueprints,” he added.
The lawmaker highlighted Akwa Ibom’s strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean, noting that the state’s coastline, coupled with its proximity to abundant natural and mineral resources, makes it ideal for a major export-oriented maritime hub.
“Akwa Ibom produces several exportable commodities such as cocoa, palm oil, cassava, fish, and timber. The Ibom Deep Seaport will serve as a gateway for these goods, boost foreign exchange earnings, and support Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification,” Idem noted.
He further pointed out that while the blue economy currently contributes about 2% to Nigeria’s GDP, the President’s strategic vision seeks to raise this figure to between 5% and 10%, with the Ibom Deep Seaport playing a central role in achieving that goal.
“I am hopeful that the establishment and realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport will expand Nigeria’s haulage networks, boost export capacity, attract foreign direct investment, and contribute significantly to the national GDP,” he said.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Ports and Harbours, Finance, and Shipping Services to conduct an oversight visit to the proposed site and make recommendations to fast-track the project’s implementation.
If completed, the Ibom Deep Seaport is projected to become one of West Africa’s largest and deepest ports, capable of handling post-Panamax vessels and unlocking vast economic potential for the region.
