TINUBU IN AKWA IBOM: A VISIT THAT CHANGED THE STORY AS PRESIDENT APPROVES IBOM DEEP SEAPORT
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Akwa Ibom State has brought renewed attention to the state’s long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project following his approval of the proposed development and its financing arrangements.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday, November 6, 2026, during his visit to Uyo, where he commissioned several infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The approval followed a request by Governor Eno, who appealed to the President to support the establishment of the deep seaport, describing it as a major economic opportunity for Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region.
Responding to the request at the APC rally held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Tinubu declared: “Your request for the Ibom Deep Sea Port is hereby approved.”
The President said the project would create economic value and promote development across the state and the region.
In his response after the visit, Governor Eno described the approval of the financing arrangements as a defining moment in Akwa Ibom’s economic journey. He said the project would open the state to international trade, attract investment, encourage industrial growth and create employment opportunities.
The governor also pledged the state’s support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, promising to mobilise voters behind the President.
PROJECTS COMMISSIONED BY TINUBU
Beyond the seaport announcement, the President commissioned several projects during his visit, highlighting the infrastructure investments of the Eno administration.
Among the projects were the new international terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport, the airport hospital and Ibom Aviation Village.
Others included the Airport-Okopedi Road, Ring Road 3, the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the Arise Palm Resort.
Tinubu also commended Governor Eno for sustaining infrastructure development and human capital investment in the state.
He recalled his professional connection with Akwa Ibom, where he previously worked as an auditor with Mobil, describing the visit as a homecoming.
The President further acknowledged the role of continuity in governance, noting that the completion of the airport terminal reflected the importance of sustaining projects initiated by previous administrations.
WHAT THE SEAPORT MEANS FOR AKWA IBOM
The Ibom Deep Seaport, originally conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, has remained a major development aspiration for the state for decades.
Governor Eno believes the facility could position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime and transhipment hub, attracting shipping activities, industrial investments and international businesses.
The project is also expected to create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s maritime economy.
However, the presidential approval represents an important step towards actualising the project; it does not mean that construction has been completed or that the port is ready to commence operations. Further implementation steps will be required.
For Akwa Ibom, the visit has therefore raised expectations that a project discussed by successive administrations could finally move closer to realisation.