President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State following a request by Governor Umo Eno, who pledged two million votes for the President’s re-election in 2027.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday during a reception and rally organised in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The President, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, said the proposed seaport must promote inclusive development, create economic opportunities and deliver tangible benefits to the people.
Responding to Eno’s appeal for the Federal Government to approve the project, Tinubu asked the cheering crowd, “Will you vote?”
He subsequently declared, “Okay, it’s approved.”
The approval followed a political commitment by Governor Eno, who had promised that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if the Federal Government approved the deep 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,” the governor said.
Eno described the seaport as one of the most important economic aspirations of the people of Akwa Ibom, noting that its establishment would transform the state’s maritime, industrial and employment sectors.
He said the project would position Akwa Ibom as a major destination for international trade and investment while creating thousands of jobs for residents.
According to the governor, the proposed facility would serve as a major transhipment hub, with economic benefits extending beyond Akwa Ibom to other parts of the South-South region and the country.
The governor recalled that Tinubu had promised to facilitate the development of the deep seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium.
He noted that the President had cited the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as an example of the kind of maritime infrastructure he hoped to establish in Akwa Ibom.
Eno further explained that the project, initially conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, had remained unrealised for several decades despite featuring prominently in successive political campaigns.
The governor also said Akwa Ibom’s decision to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was part of efforts to strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government and attract more federal projects and development to the state.
The President’s announcement has raised expectations among residents and business stakeholders, who see the proposed seaport as a potential catalyst for industrialisation, employment generation and economic growth in Akwa Ibom and the wider Niger Delta region.
