Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, with discussions ongoing with prospective investors to advance the project towards implementation.
The state government says it is seeking credible investors with the financial capacity and technical expertise to develop the seaport and its accompanying industrial city.
Speaking during a ministerial briefing, the Supervisory Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Emem Bob, disclosed that the port master plan, site-specific studies and feasibility studies had been completed.
He added that the project’s full business case had received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Executive Council.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the government is working towards identifying preferred bidders capable of delivering the project, which is expected to strengthen maritime activities, attract investment and create employment opportunities in Akwa Ibom State.
Bob described the Ibom Deep Seaport and the Ibom Industrial City Free Zone as key components of the state’s ARISE Agenda, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil and gas while positioning Akwa Ibom as an investment destination.
He expressed optimism that ongoing discussions with prospective investors would produce positive results and bring the project closer to implementation.
Beyond the seaport, the commissioner highlighted investments in aviation, hospitality, commercial development and judicial infrastructure as part of the state’s broader economic development strategy.
On aviation, he disclosed that the new international terminal at Victor Attah International Airport was 93 per cent complete and had been opened for use.
The 27,173-square-metre facility is designed to handle up to three million passengers annually. It commenced international flight operations following its maiden flight to Accra, Ghana, in May 2026.
According to the commissioner, the terminal and supporting infrastructure, including the aircraft apron, access roads, drainage, airfield lighting and a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, are expected to improve connectivity and expand opportunities in aviation, tourism, logistics and hospitality.
He also identified the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel and ARISE Shopping City as strategic projects expected to attract conferences, business travellers, tourists and international retail brands.
Bob said the investments could stimulate local businesses, support skills development, generate employment beyond the construction phase and improve the state’s internally generated revenue.
He further explained that the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport provides technical supervision and quality assurance for selected projects being implemented by other ministries, departments and agencies.
These include the Akwa Ibom Corporate Buildings, Ibom International Hospital, Itam Industrial Park, AKBC House, Ikot Ekpene International Market, Ewet Luxury Gardens, Ibom Towers and Apartments in Lagos, as well as hotels and apartments in Abuja.
The commissioner assured that the ministry would continue collaborating with relevant government agencies to coordinate and deliver strategic projects under the ARISE Agenda.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said the ministerial briefing was designed to keep citizens informed about government activities, project implementation and the impact of public investments.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nsibiet John, called on relevant authorities to prioritise workers’ welfare, address salary disparities and engage affected employees through roundtable discussions.
He also reaffirmed the media’s commitment to responsible journalism and wider publicity for government activities.
The briefing was attended by officials of the Ministries of Information and Special Duties, the State Statistician-General, Uduak Isaac, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, media aides and other journalists.
As discussions with prospective investors continue, attention will remain on the government’s efforts to secure the investment partners and financing arrangements required to move the Ibom Deep Seaport from planning towards implementation.
