Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says the long-stalled Ibom Deep Seaport project has received a major boost after fresh talks with prospective investors in Paris revived confidence in the multi-billion-naira initiative.
The Governor disclosed that investors who had previously withdrawn from the project have now renewed their commitment following the engagements, urging residents and stakeholders to unite behind the seaport, which he described as vital to the State’s economic future and efforts to reduce dependence on oil revenue.
Speaking at a dinner in Uyo organised in honour of officials of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Eno said the renewed optimism followed high-level discussions held with investors in Paris, adding that the project is now gathering fresh momentum.
The Governor’s latest remarks come about two weeks after he led a high-level technical meeting with representatives of Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and other prospective investors in Paris on June 5, 2026. During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed the project’s Technical Feasibility Report, discussed implementation plans and investment pathways, while the Governor urged investors to provide clear timelines for execution. The talks ended with the investors reaffirming their commitment to the Ibom Deep Seaport project.
Eno appealed to stakeholders to set aside disagreements over the location of the seaport and work together to ensure its successful delivery.
He maintained that the Ibom Deep Seaport remains a key pillar of his administration’s economic diversification agenda, noting that the State government is investing heavily in infrastructure and other development projects to create sustainable sources of revenue beyond crude oil.
“We are doing everything possible to create alternatives to oil and position Akwa Ibom for long-term economic prosperity. The Ibom Deep Seaport is one of those critical projects that can unlock enormous opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation, and job creation,” he said.
The Governor also highlighted several ongoing projects across the State, including the completed International Terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport, road and bridge construction, expansion of healthcare facilities, delivery of compassionate homes, and investments in public transportation.
He further announced that Ibom Air will begin international flights to Accra, Ghana, on June 28, 2026, adding that discussions are ongoing with Ethiopian Airlines to commence direct flights to Addis Ababa.
Eno also reaffirmed Akwa Ibom State’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, expressing appreciation for improved allocations to states, which he said have enabled sub-national governments to execute impactful development projects.
Earlier, the leader of the RMAFC delegation, Professor Olusegun Adekunle Wright, praised Akwa Ibom’s development strides and prudent management of resources, describing the State as one of Nigeria’s most impressive development success stories.
According to Wright, the State’s investments in infrastructure, tourism and social welfare continue to attract confidence from investors, development partners and visitors.
Other members of the delegation also commended Akwa Ibom’s peaceful atmosphere, quality infrastructure and hospitality, describing it as a model for sustainable development and responsible governance.
