By Isaiah Eka
Uyo, Oct. 19, 2026
The Akwa Ibom Government says the Ibom Deep Seaport, when actualised, is expected to generate more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs for residents and enhance the economic growth of the state.
Mr. Emem Bob, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, disclosed this on Monday, at the inter-ministerial media briefing by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Uyo.
Bob said that the Ibom Deep Seaport project was the state’s flagship industrial initiative, proposed as a major economic game changer.
He said that the port master plan, site-specific studies and feasibility studies had all been completed.
The commissioner added that the Full Business Case had received the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and Federal Executive Council’s approval, stressing that preferred bidders for port development were currently being sourced.
“The initiative is projected to generate more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs between 2027 and 2050, spreading trade, industrial and employment benefits across Akwa Ibom and beyond.
“The 14,517-hectare Industrial City is planned around petrochemicals, agro-processing, marine and auto-assembly clusters, supported by a proposed 2,151 MW power plant.
“It’s Free Trade Zone status and planned multimodal links to road, rail and Victor Attah International Airport provide a strong foundation for investment,” Bob said.
Bob also disclosed that the Ibom International Convention Centre project was at 90 per cent completion, with overall completion set for December.
He said that the 5,000-capacity convention centre with 615-car parking spaces was a major, purpose-built destination for conferences, exhibitions, cultural events and business engagements in the state to enhance tourism.
Uwem Ekanem, Special Adviser to the Governor on Aviation and Airport Development, in his remarks said that in the aviation sector, Victor Attah International Airport recorded 1,386,060 domestic passenger movements between 2023 and September 2026.
Ekanem added that the airport recorded 1,998 international passenger movements within the same period.
“The airport’s new International Smart Terminal is a three-level facility measuring 27,173 square metres and designed to handle up to three million passengers annually.
“International operations commenced with an inaugural Ibom Air flight to Accra, Ghana, on May 2,” Ekanem said.
He said the facility was expected to support tourism, cargo movement, commerce and investment while improving the state’s international connectivity.
