President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday during a reception and rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The President was responding to a request by Governor Umo Eno, who appealed for the Federal Government’s support to make the project a reality.
Tinubu said the project must promote inclusive development, create economic opportunities and improve the lives of the people.
“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,” the President said.
After asking the crowd, “Will you vote?”, Tinubu gave his approval, declaring, “Okay, It’s approved.”
The approval followed a promise by Governor Eno to deliver two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government supports the seaport project.
“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,” Eno said.
The governor described the seaport as the most important economic project being requested by the people of Akwa Ibom, noting that it would create jobs, attract investments and boost maritime activities.
He said the project, originally conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, had remained unrealised for several years.
Eno explained that the facility would open the state to international trade and create 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 added.
Tinubu had earlier promised to support the construction of the deep seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium.
The President visited Akwa Ibom on Friday to inaugurate projects completed by the Umo Eno administration.
