Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport, expressing optimism that the long-anticipated project will come to fruition after over two decades of planning.

The Governor gave the assurance on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, while receiving the project’s feasibility report from the Technical Committee.

Commending the committee for what he described as a thorough and professional job, Eno noted that the report provides a clear pathway for the seaport’s development, which is expected to boost economic growth and expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity.

Presenting the report, Committee Chairman, Mfon Usoro, said the project is structured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model aimed at enhancing ease of doing business and driving industrialisation. She explained that the seaport would integrate with the Ibom Industrial City and operate as a Free Trade Zone, positioning it as a major transshipment hub in the region.

Eno paid tribute to past leaders who initiated and advanced the project, including Victor Attah, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He cautioned against politicising the initiative, describing deep seaport development as “a marathon, not a sprint.”

Highlighting progress made under his administration, the governor listed key interventions such as funding a comprehensive feasibility study, conducting geotechnical and geophysical surveys, constructing access roads, and establishing a dedicated project office. He also referenced broader infrastructure investments, including road expansion, aviation upgrades through Ibom Air, and improvements at the Victor Attah International Airport.

Eno said his administration prioritised coordination and timelines to accelerate delivery, adding that the committee would be tasked with engaging investors and stakeholders to drive implementation.

The governor also directed the development of youth-focused training programmes to ensure the availability of skilled manpower for the project.

Usoro disclosed that major milestones already achieved include financial modelling, due diligence, and the emergence of preferred bidders through an international process. She added that the next phase would focus on core infrastructure such as breakwaters, container terminals, and port access roads, alongside investment roadshows and regulatory engagements with agencies like the Nigerian Ports Authority.

She urged patience, noting that port development projects globally often take years to complete due to their complexity.

The event drew top government officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives of federal agencies, underscoring a collaborative push between the state, federal institutions, and private investors to deliver the Ibom Deep Seaport project. (The Nation)

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