Ibom Deep Seaport: Umo Eno Receives Feasibility Report, Assures Project Will Materialize

Governor Umo Eno assured that the Project “Ibom Deep Seaport” will materialize

1. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, expressing confidence that the initiative, which started over 20 years ago, will see the light of day. The Governor made the assurance on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, during the presentation of the project’s feasibility report by the Technical Committee.

2. Receiving the report, the Governor applauded the Committee for their detailed and professional work, commending their dedication and commitment to ensuring the success of the project.

3. Presenting the report, the Committee Chairman, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, a maritime lawyer and former Director General of NIMASA, said the project is designed to drive economic growth, expand Nigeria’s port capacity, and improve ease of doing business through a Public-Private Partnership model. She noted that the seaport would accelerate industrialization by integrating with the Ibom Industrial City, and as a Free Trade Zone, it is positioned to become a major transshipment hub and one of the largest deep-sea ports in the region.

4. Governor Eno paid tribute to past leaders who laid the foundation for the project, including former Governor Victor Attah, Senate President and former Governor Godswill Akpabio, and immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel. He cautioned against politicizing the project, emphasizing that deep seaport development is “not a sprint but a marathon.”

5. He highlighted decisive steps taken by his administration, including funding a full feasibility study, preparing investor fact sheets, constructing access roads, conducting geophysical and geotechnical studies, and establishing a project office in the State. Governor Eno noted the administration’s integration of land, air, and maritime sectors, citing over 1,300 kilometers of roads, expansion of Ibom Air, upgrades at Victor Attah International Airport, and ongoing maritime investments in Oron.

6. Reaffirming his results-driven approach, Governor Eno said, “We decided to bring everyone together and move all aspects of the deep seaport project to the front burner to enable us aggregate exactly what we need to do with timelines.” He tasked the Committee to actively engage investors and the people, adding, “If we succeed with this project, Akwa Ibom wins.”

7. The Governor also directed the Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties to develop training initiatives for youths, ensuring that human capital needs are met and a skilled workforce is available for the construction phase and beyond.

8. Mrs. Usoro detailed milestones already achieved, including the engagement of Programme Managers, appointment of global transaction advisors, completion of feasibility studies, due diligence, financial modeling, and a transparent international bidding process that produced preferred bidders.

9. She highlighted the project’s priority phases, starting with infrastructure development, including container terminals, main and secondary breakwaters, and Navy berths. Other key activities include Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), market and financial studies, port access road construction, investment roadshows, marketing of the Ibom Industrial City, land acquisition, regularization of Free Trade Zone licenses with the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, and re-engagement with the Nigerian Ports Authority on concession negotiations.

10. She appealed for patience from the people, explaining that port development is complex and time-consuming, noting that similar projects globally often take up to 20 years from conception to commissioning.

Ibom Deep Seaport

11. The event was attended by top government functionaries and stakeholders, including Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Udeme Otong, House Leader Otobong Bob, former Ministers Umana Okon Umana and Don Etiebet, former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere, Senator Effiong Bob, Secretary to the State Government Enobong Uwah, Head of Civil Service Elsie Peters, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor Aniefiok Johnson, commissioners, and the 31 local government chairmen.

12. Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated and relevant government agencies were also present, highlighting the collaborative effort between the state, federal agencies, and private investors to ensure the successful realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport Project.

Signed:
Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information

Akpabio Lauds Governor Umo Eno’s Christ-centred Leadership, Commends Unity In Akwa Ibom

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has again praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, describing his leadership style as Christ-centred, inclusive, and unifying.

Senator Akpabio made the remarks during an Easter visit to the Governor at his country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, where he commended Eno’s humility and commitment to fostering unity and development across the state.

The Senate President noted that the Governor’s leadership has been marked by a strong sense of inclusiveness and purpose, which, according to him, has strengthened cohesion among the people.

He expressed satisfaction with the prevailing atmosphere of unity in Akwa Ibom, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between leaders at both state and federal levels.

According to him, “This visit may appear a surprise, but it is something I should do more often—coming to identify with my Governor, a leader who loves his people, does not discriminate, and has demonstrated clear and purposeful leadership.”

Senator Akpabio further applauded the Governor’s humility in governance and expressed optimism about the state’s future under his administration, adding that divisive tendencies such as hatred, bigotry, and disunity would continue to recede.

He briefed the Governor that he had earlier worshiped and represented him at the convention of the Apostolic Church at Ikot Ekpene and Ikono, saying “I sent your message of felicitation, and they were quite happy and prayed for you that God will help you to govern the State in peace and in good health; grant you your heart desires and particularly, your second term successful, and we all echoed Amen.”

Reflecting on the significance of Easter, Akpabio said the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises victory over adversity, expressing hope that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, including insecurity and poverty.

Earlier, Governor Eno expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as thoughtful and symbolic, particularly during the Easter season.

He noted that while he had visited the Senate President on several occasions, he did not anticipate such a gesture in return, describing it as a demonstration of genuine goodwill and leadership.

“This reflects the true spirit of Easter—love, sacrifice, and resurrection. It is an uncommon gesture and we don’t take it for granted. In some States, leaders in Abuja and those in the States do not see each other and hardly interact, but here in Akwa Ibom, we can all sit together and continue to foster unity and mutual respect,” the Governor said.

Governor Eno, who described Akpabio as a political grandfather, thanked him for his continued support and fatherly guidance, and assured him of sustained cooperation and prayers.

The Senate President was accompanied by the Member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Dr Patrick Umo, and the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Ntiedo Usoro, Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC, Victor Antai, among others.

Akpabio Lauds Governor Umo Eno

Present to receive the Senate President alongside the Governor were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Deputy Speaker, KufreAbasi Edidem; members of the National and State Assemblies; Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; led by the Dean of Commissioners, Hon Frank Archibong, MD of Hensek International Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko and other top government officials.

Easter: Senate President Akpabio Salutes Fallen Heroes, Vows End To Insecurity

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday, assured Nigerians that the wave of insecurity across the country would soon be brought to an end, expressing optimism that the nation would overcome its current challenges.

Akpabio gave the assurance in his Easter message delivered at the Ikot Ekpene Field Major Convention of The Apostolic Church, Ikot Obong Edong, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

His remarks were contained in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong.

The Senate President acknowledged the deep pain and loss experienced by many Nigerians as a result of ongoing security challenges, particularly among families of fallen security personnel and victims of violence.

He said, “Across our country, many families are passing through moments of grief and loss. Some have lost loved ones in the line of duty – our brave men and women in uniform who daily put their lives on the line to defend our nation.

“Some have lost fathers, mothers, children and friends in their homes, places of worship, markets, farms, and work places as Nigeria continues to confront the painful challenge of insecurity.”

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Offering condolences, Akpabio added, “To such families, please know that your pain is shared by the entire nation. We mourn with you, pray for you, and honour the memory of those whose lives have been cut short. Their sacrifices can never be forgotten.”

Despite the prevailing concerns, he expressed confidence that the message of Easter symbolises hope and victory, assuring Nigerians that peace would ultimately prevail.

“Just as the resurrection revealed the complete triumph of Christ, I firmly believe that soon Nigeria’s story will also reach its full and victorious conclusion: ‘Nigeria defeats insecurity, evil and fear.

“That is the hope Easter places before us. It teaches us that darkness never has the final word. It reminds us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Akpabio

“Therefore, let us reject hatred and division and embrace unity, compassion, and solidarity as one people while we await our morning. Let us renew our faith in God and in the future of our country,” he said.

In his homily, the Field Superintendent of the Apostolic Church and host of the convention, Apostle (Dr) E. O. Akpan, also expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, noting that sustained prayers and unity would usher in an era of peace and development.