President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State. The announcement was made during a presidential visit to Uyo, where the President inaugurated several projects completed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.

Governor Eno had formally appealed for the project during a reception at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, emphasizing that the seaport stands as the state's most critical economic priority. He highlighted its potential to serve as a major transshipment hub, stimulate international trade, revitalize the maritime and industrial sectors, and generate thousands of employment opportunities for the region.

In response to the request and a commitment of regional political support from local leadership, President Tinubu approved the project, stressing that the initiative must foster inclusive growth and deliver tangible economic value to the citizens.

Conceived decades ago under former Governor Victor Attah, the deep seaport project had faced numerous delays through successive administrations. During his 2023 presidential campaign, Tinubu had previously pledged to construct the facility, drawing parallels to the successful development of the Lekki Deep Seaport during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. With the official green light now given, state officials anticipate that the project will significantly transform the economy of Akwa Ibom and the broader South-South region.