Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has attributed the delayed takeoff of the Ibom Deep Seaport project to the absence of investors, despite the state having secured all necessary approvals and certifications. The governor made the remarks at the three-day Niger Delta Blue Economy Summit on Tuesday at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene.
Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom, Eno said all regulatory requirements for the seaport have been fully obtained, and access roads leading to the site are already under construction. He stressed that the project would not be a “white elephant” and highlighted its potential to ease congestion in Lagos while serving the region and hinterlands.
“Ibom Deep Seaport is the most natural seaport you can ever have in Nigeria. There will be no dredging, and work has gone very far,” Eno said. He added that attracting foreign investment remains key to the project’s realization, as the scale requires multi-billion-naira commitments.
The governor also highlighted ongoing marine infrastructure projects, including shore protection, terminal buildings, warehouses, and cold rooms, aimed at boosting maritime commercial activity and generating employment within the state.
Speaking at the summit, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, emphasized the strategic importance of the blue economy for Nigeria’s diversified growth. He noted that maritime security, effective governance, and protection of marine resources are crucial to fostering investor confidence and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Eno reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the seaport project and maritime infrastructure to unlock the region’s economic potential while providing long-term benefits for local communities.
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