Tinubu Approves Major Project in Akwa Ibom

President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State following a request by Governor Umo Eno.

The President announced the approval on Friday while responding to the governor’s appeal during a reception and rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Tinubu, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, said development must promote inclusive growth, create economic value and improve the living conditions of the people.

Responding to Eno’s request, the President acknowledged the governor’s appeal on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom before asking the crowd whether they would vote. He subsequently declared the project approved.

The approval followed Eno’s pledge that the state would deliver two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government approved and delivered the seaport project.

The governor said the facility had the potential to unlock economic opportunities in Akwa Ibom, the South-South region and Nigeria as a whole.

Eno described the seaport as the most important economic demand of the people, adding that it would transform the state’s maritime and industrial sectors while creating employment opportunities.

He also recalled that Tinubu had promised to establish the facility during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium. At the time, the President cited the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as an example of what he intended to achieve in Akwa Ibom.

The governor explained that the project was initially conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City but had remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns.

According to Eno, the proposed facility would serve as a major transhipment hub, create thousands of jobs and open Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment.

He further said the state had aligned with the Federal Government by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attract greater federal presence and development.

Eno assured Tinubu of Akwa Ibom’s support for his 2027 re-election bid, describing the seaport as one of the major development projects expected from the President’s administration.