Trending 
President Bola Tinubu has approved the construction of the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, following a request by Governor Umo Eno.
The President announced the approval on Friday at a reception and rally organised in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Tinubu was in the state to inaugurate projects completed by the Eno administration when the governor appealed for the Government’s support for the long-awaited seaport.
Responding to the request, the President said the project must promote inclusive development, create economic opportunities, and deliver tangible benefits to the people.
“Now, development must be even, inclusive and reasonable, must bring progress and create economic value. I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port,” Tinubu said.
According to Punch, after repeating the request, Tinubu asked the crowd whether they would vote before declaring the project approved.
The announcement came after Eno pledged that Akwa Ibom would secure two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Government approved the project.
The governor described the seaport as a major economic opportunity for the state, the South-South region and Nigeria, noting that it would expand maritime activities, attract investment and create jobs.
“Give us Ibom Deep Seaport, we will deliver two million votes. This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” the governor said.
Eno said the facility was the most significant economic demand of the people of Akwa Ibom, adding that residents had remained supportive of Tinubu since his election in 2023 and expected him to fulfil his campaign promise to establish the port.
During his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium, Tinubu had pledged to build the deep seaport, pointing to the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as an example of the project he envisioned for Akwa Ibom.
The Ibom Deep Seaport, initially conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City under former Governor Victor Attah, has remained unrealised for decades despite being featured in successive presidential campaigns.
Eno said the proposed facility would function as a major transhipment hub, connect Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment, and generate thousands of jobs.
“This seaport would serve as a major transhipment hub. It will create thousands of jobs for our people. It will open Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment,” he said.
The governor also said the state had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen its relationship with the Government and attract more federal projects and development.
He assured Tinubu that Akwa Ibom would mobilise support for his 2027 re-election bid, describing the seaport approval as an important development the President’s administration could deliver to the state.
