Lack of investors delaying Ibom Deep Seaport – Eno

Etim Ekpimah

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has attributed the apparent stagnation of the Ibom Deep Seaport project to the absence of investors, assuring that the state government has fulfilled all regulatory requirements for the project.

Governor Eno disclosed this during the three-day Niger Delta Blue Economy Summit held on Tuesday at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene. He explained that the delay in commencing the project was largely due to challenges in attracting the required foreign investment.

The governor’s comments come amid growing concerns among residents, who have questioned why the project appears stalled, especially as the completion of the seaport was widely cited as one of the reasons for Governor Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Represented at the summit by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom, the governor stated that all necessary regulations, certifications and approvals for the project had been secured, while access roads to the seaport site were already under construction.

“Ibom Deep Seaport is not going to be a white elephant project. I can assure you that work has gone very far. We have complied with all regulatory imperatives, obtained all required certifications and approvals, and construction of roads leading to the seaport is ongoing,” he said.

According to him, the Ibom Deep Seaport is one of the most naturally endowed ports in Nigeria, requiring no dredging. He noted that the facility would serve the entire region by diverting maritime traffic from the congested Lagos ports and enhancing trade with Central Africa and Nigeria’s hinterland.

“We will work very hard to ensure it happens. However, this is an investment that largely depends on attracting foreign investors. It is not something Nigeria alone can finance. We are still engaging investors, and we are confident it will work out,” he added.

Eno further revealed that the state government had commenced multi-billion-naira marine infrastructure projects aimed at reviving maritime transportation, stimulating commercial activities along the maritime corridor and creating both direct and indirect employment within the maritime ecosystem.

“Work is ongoing on shore protection, terminal buildings, passenger warehouses and cold rooms to ensure that our fishermen derive maximum economic benefits from their efforts in a sustainable manner,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the summit as timely and strategic, noting that the blue economy was central to Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification. Represented by Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa, Abbas stressed that sustainable development in the Niger Delta was closely linked to effective governance and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Navy established the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria in June 2024 to strengthen the knowledge base for the development of the blue economy. He also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure, protecting marine resources and suppressing maritime crimes such as piracy, illegal bunkering and oil theft.

“Nigeria occupies a strategic position in the resource-rich Gulf of Guinea, and most of its blue economy endowments are located in the Niger Delta. To unlock these vast potentials, a secure, stable and well-regulated maritime environment is essential,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr Mehdi Jomaa, who spoke on the sidelines of the summit, described Nigeria as a potential driver of Africa’s development through the blue economy. Jomaa said Nigeria must articulate a clear vision, demonstrate strong leadership and build the institutional capacity required for effective implementation.

Drawing from Tunisia’s maritime history and experience, he noted that Africa’s coastal nations, particularly Nigeria with its large population and extensive coastline, possessed enormous untapped opportunities.

“You have the people, the market, the coastline and the potential. The challenges are enormous, but so are the opportunities. With the right vision, organisation and leadership, Nigeria can become a true locomotive for growth and development on the continent,” Jomaa said.

He added that there were vast areas for collaboration between Nigeria and Tunisia in the blue economy sector, stressing that African countries must learn from one another to translate ambition into sustainable growth and prosperity.