Talks With Investors Ongoing – Gov Eno Reaffirms Commitment To Ibom Deep Seaport

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, assuring that the project remains on course as engagements with prospective investors continue.

The government said it was seeking credible investors with the financial capacity and technical expertise to drive the development of the seaport and its industrial city.

The Supervisory Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Emem Bob, disclosed this during the ministerial briefing. He said the port master plan, site-specific studies and feasibility studies had been completed, while the full business case had received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He explained that the government was working towards identifying preferred bidders with the capacity to deliver the project, which is expected to strengthen the state’s maritime sector, attract investments and create employment opportunities.

According to him, Ibom Deep Seaport and the Ibom Industrial City Free Zone are key components of the state government’s ARISE Agenda, aimed at expanding economic opportunities, diversifying the state’s economy beyond oil and gas, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a major investment destination.

Bob expressed optimism that ongoing discussions with prospective investors would yield positive results and move the project towards implementation.

He also highlighted investments in aviation, hospitality, commercial development and judicial infrastructure as complementary projects expected to strengthen the state’s investment appeal.

On aviation, he said 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, designed to handle up to three million passengers annually, commenced international flight operations following its maiden flight to Accra, Ghana, in May 2026.

He said the terminal, alongside supporting infrastructure such as the aircraft apron, access roads, drainage, airfield lighting, and maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, would improve connectivity and create opportunities in aviation services, tourism, logistics and hospitality.

The commissioner also identified the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel and ARISE Shopping City as strategic investments expected to attract conferences, business travellers, tourists and international retail brands while expanding opportunities for local businesses.

He noted that the economic benefits of the infrastructure investments would extend beyond construction jobs to include increased commercial activities, skills development and improved internally generated revenue.

He further disclosed 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.

Such projects, he said, 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 to work with relevant government agencies to ensure the effective coordination and delivery of strategic projects under the ARISE Agenda.

Setting the tone for the briefing, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, explained that the ministerial briefing was designed to keep citizens informed about government achievements, project implementation and the impact of public investments.

He highlighted the strategic role of the Ministry of Special Duties and the Ibom Deep Seaport project in advancing Akwa Ibom State’s maritime infrastructure and driving economic development.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John, appealed to relevant government authorities to prioritise staff welfare, address salary disparities and hold roundtable discussions with affected workers.

He reaffirmed the media’s commitment to responsible reporting and assured the government that its achievements would receive wider publicity through effective media coverage and public communication.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; directors from both ministries; the State Statistician-General, Mr Uduak Isaac; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh; media aides to the Governor; heads of electronic and local media organisations; and other journalists attended the briefing.