Governor Eno Joins Tinubu, Akpabio In Bayelsa For Projects Inauguration

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD today, April 10, 2026, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in Bayelsa State for a one-day visit to inaugurate projects.

Amongst the projects inaugurated include a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant (IPP) at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Governor Eno Joins Tinubu

In attendance were governors from the Niger Delta states, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, who joined Governor Diri in receiving the President—an indication of regional solidarity and a shared commitment to the development of the region.

Akwa Ibom Local Council Chairman Construct 1.7km Road Project, Praises Governor Eno For Inspiration

Recently, Governor Umo Eno had called on local government chairmen in Akwa Ibom State to embark on roads and life touching projects, rather than endless renovations of council offices.

Governor Eno who spoke during a joint meeting of state executive council members and local government chairmen, had advised chairmen to be more considerate in bringing governance closer to the people.

One local government area, that has perfectly responded to the Governor’s clarion call, is Ikot Abasi under the chairmanship of Hon. Ime Williamson Essien

Of the numerous projects, what has stood out is the ongoing construction of the 1.7km Ikot Umiang – Okon Road, with a bridge he has opted to complete along with the road.

The gesture would be opening up that part of the state for the first time, with a proper road, and is ready for asphalting.

Hinging his motivation on Governor Umo Eno’s transformational strides, the Ikot Abasi Council Chairman, Hon. Ime Williamson, in a brief chat enumerated other achievements of his administration, saying he is able to achieve so much without taking any loan, because the state governor is not interfering with council funds.

He also said that he is highly inspired by Governor Eno’s accomplishments to also replicate same for his people, adding that the road will be ready for inauguration in two months.

“These projects have made it impossible for me to have any money in my pocket”, the Ikot Abasi helmsman said.

The tour of the project revealed how much intentional leadership at the third tier of government can drive development; agreeing with Governor Umo Eno’s recent instruction that Council Chairmen should do more than renovate council secretariats.

‎Chairman Ime Essien explained that the Ikot Umbiang Road, initially designed as a 1km stretch, was extended to 1.7km, thereby easing mobility and stimulating economic activity.
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‎“The road which is 7.3m wide, is equipped with 600x600mm concrete drains and double-sided gutters to prevent flooding and enhance durability ,” the chairman noted.

Beyond the 1.7km Ikot Umiang internal road, the chairman had in October last year executed and inaugurated the Essene Water Project, Ikot Okwo Health Centre, and rural electrification projects across Ikot Ikara, Ikot Obio Ekpe, and Iboro communities in Edemaya Clan.
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The projects, he noted, reflect the council’s commitment to rural connectivity, and improved living standards for residents.

Umo Eno

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The Ikot Umiang Water Project, is a 39-meter-high water tank of 250 litres, solar-powered facility capable of supplying water round the clock.

According to him, the automated pumping system ensures that the tank refills automatically once the water level drops, guaranteeing a constant supply for residents.
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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