The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, met with President Bola Tinubu to seek the Federal Government’s support for the completion of the Ibom Deep Seaport project. Eno highlighted the necessity of a seaport in the South-South region, emphasizing that existing ports, notably Lagos, are congested.
The Ibom Deep Seaport, situated in the South East of Akwa Ibom State, is designed to be a deep-water facility with a natural draft of approximately 17.5 meters, making it one of the deepest in the region. This depth would enable the port to accommodate large vessels and handle various types of cargo, including containers, dry bulk, and liquid cargo. The project is a collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Ports Authority, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and private investors.
Although the Outline Business Case for the Public-Private Partnership project was approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2015, the project remains incomplete nearly a decade later. Governor Eno emphasized the importance of the port, stating that it would serve the South East, South-South, and the Niger Delta region, relieving the congestion experienced at other ports.
During the meeting, the governor also discussed plans for the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul of sections of the Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo, and sought the President’s support for the revamping of the oil palm sector in the state. Governor Eno expressed the need for federal government support in revitalizing the industry, which has been dormant for nearly three decades. He mentioned that the President had granted approval for him to submit a memo requesting federal government assistance in upgrading the facility.
The Governor emphasized the profitability and expansion of Ibom Air, stating, “I told him government is completely out of the running of Ibom Air. Ibom air is making profit and they are ploughing it back for expansion and the airport facility, the second taxiway is on, we have the new terminal, we have the MRO and he was pleased to hear that.”
Eno sought the President’s support for the revamp of the oil palm sector in the state, which has been inactive for nearly three decades. He expressed the need for federal government support to establish a full value chain and bring employment opportunities to the region. The Governor highlighted the potential for exporting palm oil, aiming to reduce the current imports.
The President commended the governor for his inclusive leadership style and encouraged him to intensify work on the ongoing projects as they have the potentials to help in the transformation of Nigeria. He promised to assist Akwa Ibom accomplish key projects and programmes that will impact not only the State but the rest of the country.
President Tinubu also requested the governor to convey his love and best wishes to Akwa Ibom people, and continue to work hard to keep Akwa Ibom a peaceful place for all Nigerians.
The visit marks Eno’s second private audience with the President since assuming office in May 2023. During the June 8 encounter, Eno was accompanied by his Plateau State counterpart, Caleb Muftwang, both representing the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
The governor of AKS did the right thing to pay a courtesy call to the president and took the opportunity to seek the President’s support for the revamping of the oil palm sector in the state. and went on to seek the Federal Government’s support for the completion of the Ibom Deep Seaport project. Eno highlighted the necessity of a seaport in the South-South region, emphasizing that existing ports, notably Lagos, are congested. Also, there is need to extend the establishment of a train or railroad service as some children from the area have never seen a rail line or a train except ” Chu chu ” train on the screens of a television or unless they have gone to Aba in Abia state..