UYO Akwa Ibom, Dec 17 (TheWill) – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the Ibom Deep Sea Port project, a key infrastructural initiative inherited from previous administrations.
However, he acknowledged the enormity of the financial investment required, noting that no state government can single-handedly execute such a capital-intensive project.
Speaking during an inter-ministerial briefing held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, Eno emphasised the need for collaborative efforts with the Federal Government and private investors to realize the ambitious project.
“The construction of a Deep Sea Port requires substantial funding, but we have ensured that the project is back on the front burner with a timeline for its realization. We will do everything possible to follow through,” Eno said.
The governor revealed that while the state government had initially attracted investors for the project, two withdrew due to petitions from the host community.
He urged all stakeholders to support the initiative, which he described as critical to the state’s economic development.
Beyond the Ibom Deep Sea Port, the governor highlighted his administration’s focus on the aviation sector.
He listed projects such as the acquisition of additional aircraft for Ibom Air, the construction of a terminal building, a runway, and a taxiway, as well as the establishment of a medical village.
Explaining the rationale behind the inter-ministerial briefing, Eno said it was an opportunity to showcase his administration’s achievements over the past 18 months and seek constructive feedback from the public.
“Government is not flawless, far from it. We are open to criticism, but it should be constructive. Condemnation only weighs people down,” the governor noted.
In her remarks, Barrister Mfon Usoro, Chairperson of the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, disclosed that the design and feasibility study for the project are expected to be completed by 2025.
She added that the first phase of the project, featuring two container terminals, is slated to commence in 2027.
While acknowledging delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Usoro expressed optimism that the Ibom Deep Sea Port would materialize during Governor Eno’s tenure. She commended the governor for his unwavering support for the project.
The inter-ministerial briefing, attended by traditional rulers, NGOs, women’s groups, youth organizations, and professional bodies, provided commissioners from various ministries the platform to highlight their achievements and outline their goals for the coming year.
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