Tinubu Approves Long-Awaited Ibom Deep Seaport Project in Akwa Ibom

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State, raising hopes for the development of a major maritime and industrial hub in Nigeria’s South-South region.

The President announced the approval on Friday, November 6, 2026, during a reception and political rally organised in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Tinubu was responding to a request by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who appealed for federal support to deliver the long-awaited project, describing it as a major economic opportunity for the state and the country.

After reiterating the request, the President declared, “Ibom Deep-Sea Port. It’s approved.”

The announcement followed Eno’s pledge that Akwa Ibom would mobilise two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government facilitated the delivery of the seaport.

The governor described the project as one of the most important economic demands of the people, arguing that it would expand maritime activities, attract international investment and create thousands of employment opportunities.

According to Eno, the proposed facility would function as a major transshipment hub, connecting Nigeria to international shipping routes and opening the state to greater trade and commercial activities.

The project, initially conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, has remained unrealised for more than two decades despite featuring in successive development plans and political campaigns.

The proposed development includes a deep-water port and the adjoining Ibom Industrial City, with the state government identifying approximately 5,129 hectares for port development and 14,400 hectares for the wider industrial city.

According to the project’s official website, the proposed facility is designed to accommodate very large vessels carrying more than 13,000 containers and operate as a transshipment port, distributing cargo to smaller ports within Nigeria and other parts of the region.

The project is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity, support export activities, reduce pressure on existing ports and attract investments in manufacturing, logistics and other industries.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has previously reported completing environmental impact assessments, preliminary technical studies and other feasibility work. The project’s official status update also identifies the full business case and procurement stage as the next phase of development.

In January 2026, the state government signed a memorandum of understanding with Interaf Group Consortium as part of efforts to advance the project and attract private-sector participation.

The presidential announcement also coincided with approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport to international airport status, another major infrastructure request presented by the state government.

Tinubu had previously pledged to support the establishment of the deep seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign visit to Uyo, citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos as an example of the infrastructure development he envisioned for Akwa Ibom.

The latest approval has renewed expectations surrounding the project, although critical steps involving financing, procurement, implementation and construction will determine how quickly it moves from planning to actual delivery.

For Akwa Ibom, the realisation of the seaport could represent a major shift in its economic profile, positioning the state as an important destination for maritime trade, industrial investment and logistics in the Gulf of Guinea.