By Aniefiok Christopher
Hope for the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State is rising as a consortium of investors signal readiness to invest a whopping $8 billion in the project.
The Ibom Deep Seaport project was conceived by the former democratically elected Governor, Arc. Obong Victor Attah in 2007.
Similarly, the consortium also plans to invest $2.5 billion to reactivate Ibom Science Park in Uyo.
The park, initiated by then Victor Attah administration from 1999, was later abandoned with the equipment and machines rotting away.
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The Founder/President of Open Forum, an advocacy group, Citizen Matthew Koffi OKono told journalists this in Uyo at the weekend that Professor Hilary Inyang, a former US Ambassador’s scholar to Ethiopia and Chairman, Àkwa Ibom of Think-Tank on Education is the head of the consortium.
Prof. Inyang announced this on Monday, December, 29, 2025 during a discourse with Citizen MKO of Open Forum on Memories 96.5FM, Uyo, Edition tagged: “Stocktaking and Agenda Setting for Akwa Ibom Without Oil (Part 63): The Critical Need for the Adoption of Sustainable Development Strategies for Akwa Ibom State in the Areas of Education, Science and Technology and Maritime Economy, Especially Ibom Deep Seaport Development.”
Straightnews reliably learnt that after the interview, Open Forum sought Prof Inyang’s permission to write a letter for him seeking an audience with the Àkwa Ibom Governor to meet and get a letter of invitation to bring in the consortium for an official meeting with the Governor.
AKSG, INTERAF GROUP Sign Landmark MoU
Already, INTERAFF GROUP and Àkwa Ibom State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on development of the Seaport, showing the government’s renewed commitment and major step towards making the port a reality.
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering the Ibom Deep Seaport project, a critical infrastructure aimed at boosting the state’s economy and transforming the region.
Governor Eno, who stated this during the MoU signing ceremony between the State Government and the consortium in Government House, Uyo, emphasized the project’s significance.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Eno urged the consortium to work closely with the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, the government’s representative, to ensure its timely execution.
The Governor, who said the project is a necessity for the people of the State, added that his administration is fully committed to putting the necessary requirements in place to get it on course.
He commended the organization for its interest in the project and the former Petroleum Minister, Atuekong Don Etiebet, for being a part of the team, and for working towards the actualization of the facility in the State.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of INTERAFF Group Consortium, Engr. Ezinwa Chinedu Ibekwe, thanked the government for the confidence reposed in the company, and assured that the consortium is ready to deliver on its mandate, promising a collaborative approach to ensure the project’s success.
Newspaper suspects Foul play
However, Akwa Ibom-based tabloid: Guide Newspaper published that Governor Eno signed MoU with INTERAF Group on Ibom Deep Seaport two weeks after the consortium registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
‘‘In what public affairs analysts and commentators describe as the the latest deceptive bait of Governor Umo Eno’s administration in the Akwa Ibom State, the state government has signed an undisclosed MoU with INTERAF GROUP to handle the Ibom Deep Seaport Project in the State.
‘‘Documents exclusively obtained by Guide Newspaper from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) reveal that INTERAF Group was registered on Monday, 22 December 2025, under registration number 9110761.”
According to the newspaper, ‘‘No trace of such project handled by the company anywhere in the world, Eno displaying political deception with Seaport Project MoU—IAI and A’Ibom Govt keeps secret, details, scope of MoU.’’
According to the newspaper, ”the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Akwa Ibom State Government and INTERAF GROUP on Ibom Deep Seaport Project took place two weeks after the company was registered with Corporate Affairs Commission.”
Oil and Gas Consultant Rubbishes the publications
Meanwhile, an Abuja-based Oil and Gas Consultant, Mr. Mkposong Asuquo, has dismissed the publications by The Guardian including Guide newspapers, describing such as false.
Reacting under the title: RE: MISLEADING CLAIMS ON THE IBOM DEEP SEAPORT MoU AND INTERAF GROUP on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Asuquo notes ‘‘I have observed with concern a growing wave of misinformation circulating online, including a report attributed to The Guardian, suggesting that the Government of Akwa Ibom State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Ibom Deep Seaport with INTERAF Group barely two weeks after the company’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
‘‘For clarity and in the interest of public education, it is important to categorically debunk this misleading narrative’’, Asuquo notes “It is correct that INTERAF Group was formally registered with the CAC on Monday, 22 December 2025, under registration number 9110761. However, the deliberate attempt to portray this fact as evidence of inexperience or fraud is both misleading and intellectually dishonest.
‘‘INTERAF Group was registered as a consortium structure, not as a start-up operating in isolation. The Group registration merely reflects the formal convergence of several long-established, professionally active subsidiaries, coming together for the specific purpose of the Ibom Deep Seaport project and other aligned corporate undertakings.’’
The Akwa Ibom-born professional explains that “INTERAF Group was not registered as a stand-alone start-up conjured overnight. Rather, it is a consortium structure, a globally accepted corporate model formed by the convergence of several long-established and professionally active companies.
“These subsidiaries include INTERAF Assets Management Limited, INTERAF Infrastructure Company Limited, INTERAF Engineering Company Limited, INTERAF Power Development Company Limited, INTERAF Farms Limited, and Net Zero Energy Limited.” Asuquo added.
According to him, ‘‘Each of these entities has existed independently over time, with proven operational histories, reputational standing, and sector-specific competencies relevant to infrastructure delivery, energy systems, engineering, asset management, and sustainability.
‘‘The Group registration therefore serves as a holding and coordination framework, allowing the parent entity (INTERAF Group) to exert strategic influence and oversight, while each subsidiary continues to operate as a separate legal entity with its own governance, management, and financial structure—a globally accepted model for risk management, capital structuring, market expansion, and regulatory efficiency.’’
He counters ‘‘Contrary to insinuations of superficiality, a review of the company’s status report, available upon diligent investigation, shows an authorised share capital of One Hundred Million Shares (100,000,000). This alone demonstrates a consortium structured with seriousness of scale, long-term intent, and financial planning consistent with a project as capital-intensive as a deep seaport.
‘‘Had the editors concerned undertaken even a modest level of paid or investigative due diligence-as I did independently, purely out of love for Akwa Ibom State and its development- they would have encountered these facts easily.’’
Asuquo debunks his involvement in the consortium thus ‘‘I state clearly that I am neither a member of INTERAF Group nor a politician with vested interests. My intervention is driven solely by civic responsibility and a desire to prevent misinformation from misleading the public.
‘‘The Ibom Deep Sea Port (IDSP) is a flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project designed to serve as a major maritime gateway for West and Central Africa. With its deep natural draft, integrated industrial city, and transshipment potential, the project is expected to decongest existing ports, stimulate industrialization, generate employment, and significantly boost regional trade.’’
He explains ‘‘Such a project naturally demands: Technical expertise, Long-term capital commitment, Regulatory compliance and Structured consortium participation.
‘‘The breadth of competencies within INTERAF’s subsidiaries- spanning engineering, energy, infrastructure, and asset management-clearly aligns with these requirements.
”It is also worth noting that in oil and gas licensing rounds, including Nigeria’s 2025 bid round, newly registered companies, consortia, or Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are routinely permitted to participate, provided their shareholders or consortium members meet pre-qualification criteria. The same principle applies to large infrastructure PPPs globally.
‘‘Furthermore, having passed through the qualifying and investment-screening processes of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP)- the state’s specialized investment promotion and industrial development agency—it is reasonable to conclude that due process has been observed.’’
The consultant points out ‘‘As a people, our collective focus should not be on the timing of a consortium’s registration, but on fundamentals, including: Financing capacity and access to capital, Technical and managerial competence, Ability to deliver within regulatory framework and Commitment to long-term project sustainability.
‘‘Any consortium that demonstrably meets these thresholds should be encouraged, not undermined by speculative or sensational reporting.’’
He commended ‘‘Governor Umo Eno’s administration for sustaining a governance philosophy anchored on continuity—completing, strengthening, and building upon projects initiated by previous administrations rather than abandoning them. This approach preserves public value, avoids waste, and enhances investor confidence.
‘‘In leveraging existing state assets and partnerships, Akwa Ibom State positions itself for sustainable growth and enduring economic impact.
”This clarification is offered in good faith, in defence of facts, process, and the collective interest of Akwa Ibom State,” he adds.
