Aniefiok Christopher
For another umpteenth time, President Bola Tinubu has given nod for the speedy take-off of Ibom Deep-Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State.
Tinubu, who announced the approval while addressing citizens of the state at a rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, pledged to upgrade Victor Attah International Airport in Akwa Ibom to international airport status.
Recall that the President had pledged to establish a deep-sea port in Akwa Ibom during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium, citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port, developed during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, as a model for the proposed project.
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Responding to requests presented by Governor Umo Eno on behalf of the state, President Tinubu said the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport would stimulate commercial activities, attract investment and unlock new economic opportunities for the people.
“It is approved; Ibom Deep Seaport will bring associated economic value and economic development here,” the President declared.
On the request to upgrade the Victor Attah International Airport, President Tinubu confirmed that he had already granted approval, reiterating the importance of infrastructure investment in promoting inclusive growth.
“Your leader made a request for international airport status. I approved it,” he stated.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties with Akwa Ibom State, President Tinubu described the visit as a homecoming, recalling his early professional career when he worked with Mobil and participated in auditing the company’s operations in Eket.
“Coming to Akwa Ibom is like homecoming for me,” the President said, recalling the challenges of travelling by boat during his assignments and his familiarity with the state’s developmental needs.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for sustaining infrastructure development in the state, describing continuity in governance, effective leadership and commitment to public service as essential to lasting economic progress.
President Tinubu also outlined his administration’s priorities for young Nigerians, pledging greater opportunities in education, skills acquisition, employment and agricultural development.
“I promise you a better future. I promise you development. I promise you education. I promise you skill development. I promise you jobs,” he declared.
On agricultural development, the president identified oil palm cultivation as an important economic opportunity for Akwa Ibom, highlighting the need to harness the state’s natural resources for industrial growth and sustainable employment.
“There is no reason why Akwa Ibom cannot use the economic palm trees and the palm plantations here,” he said.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, President Tinubu urged young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process, describing the voter card as a vital instrument for exercising their constitutional rights.
“The weapon you have is the PVC. If you have not collected it, please go ahead and collect your Permanent Voter Cards,” the President urged.
He further reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to democratic governance, recalling his involvement in the struggle for democracy, freedom and national development.
President Tinubu inaugurated the major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration, including the new International Terminal Building, International Airport Hospital and Ibom Aviation Village at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Other projects included the Airport–Okopedi Road, Ring Road 3, the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort.
The President’s engagements formed part of his two-state visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, combining infrastructure commissioning with political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Eno had assured that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government approved and delivered the 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 project as the most important economic demand of the people of Akwa Ibom, saying it would transform the state’s maritime, industrial and employment sectors.
He said the people had remained loyal to Tinubu since 2023 and were asking him to fulfil his earlier promise to establish the facility.
Eno recalled that the project, originally conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, had remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns.
“This seaport would serve as a major transhipment hub. It will create thousands of jobs for our people. It will open Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment,” he said.
The governor also said Akwa Ibom had aligned with the Federal Government by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attract greater federal presence and development to the state.
He assured Tinubu of the state’s support for his re-election bid in 2027, describing the proposed seaport as a major development expected from the President’s administration.
