Emmanuel urges investors, US govt to invest in state seaport

Akpan Umoh

The Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Emmanuel has called on the government of the United States of America and its investors to partner the state in the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport project.

Emmanuel, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, said this on Tuesday when the Chief of Political and Economic Affairs of the United States Consulate in Nigeria, Mr Brandon Hudspeth, visited him at Government House.

He said that Ibom Deep Seaport was programmed to become the flagship of the shipping industry in this part of the world in view of its strategic location as it is endowed with a natural draught and direct access to all parts of the world including the US.

The governor noted that the United States of America has enjoyed a very robust bilateral relationship with Nigeria since the nation’s independence.

He noted that huge investment opportunities abound in the state for American investors to take advantage.

“The peaceful ambience which the state offers, is the best in Nigeria for investors. The U.S. should take advantage of the enormous business opportunities, especially in the Ibom Deep Seaport project which has received the approval by the Federal Government.

“ExxonMobil as an American company is already enjoying the state’s favourable ambience,” Emmanuel said.

He urged the Consulate to encourage the ExxonMobil to relocate its headquarters to the state as a way of encouraging other international oil companies.

The governor emphasised that the state government has invested heavily in state-of-the-art infrastructure that were compliant to global standards such as the 21-storey intelligent building built by the state government for IOCs. 

Emmanuel said that his administration was people-oriented with strategic programmes meant to promote the well-being of the citizenry.

He commended the team for flagging off its visit to the Niger Delta region with a visit to the state and wished them a successful tour of duty in the region.

Earlier, the Chief of Political and Economic Affairs of the US Consulate in Nigeria, Mr Brandon Hudspeth, said that he was in the state as part of his tour of the Niger Delta States of Nigeria.

Chief, Political and Economic Affairs of the US Consulate in Nigeria described the visit a show of his country interest to invest in the region.

Hudspeth said that the visit was intended to strengthen the relationship between the states in the region as part of Nigeria and his country.

He condoled the state on the demise of its former military governor, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd).