Governor Umo Eno Receives Critical Feasibility Report for Multibillion Dollar Ibom Deep Seaport Development

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno moves forward with Ibom Deep Seaport, receiving a new feasibility report for the regional transshipment hub.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 10:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation Newspaper

Strategic Advancement of Maritime Infrastructure

Governor Umo Eno has formally accepted the feasibility report for the Ibom Deep Seaport, signaling a renewed administrative push to realize a project that has been in development for over two decades. Speaking at the Government House in Uyo, the Governor expressed strong optimism regarding the technical roadmap provided by the committee, which he believes offers a viable path toward completion. This latest milestone follows a series of preliminary investments, including geotechnical surveys and the construction of primary access roads, aimed at preparing the site for large scale industrial activity.

Public-Private Partnership and Economic Integration

The maritime project is strategically designed under a Public-Private Partnership model to ensure commercial viability and long term operational efficiency. According to Committee Chairman Mfon Usoro, the seaport will function in tandem with the Ibom Industrial City and operate within a Free Trade Zone framework. This integration is intended to simplify the ease of doing business in the region while positioning the port as a major transshipment center. Usoro noted that the project has already cleared significant financial hurdles, including the completion of due diligence and the selection of preferred bidders through an international competitive process.

Honoring Political Continuity and Avoiding Friction

During the presentation, Governor Eno acknowledged the foundational work performed by his predecessors, citing the contributions of Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel in advancing the seaport's agenda. He emphasized that the development of a deep seaport is a long distance endeavor rather than a short term goal, urging stakeholders to avoid politicizing the initiative. By framing the project as a continuous state priority across different administrations, the Governor seeks to maintain the institutional stability necessary to attract and retain global maritime investors.