President Bola Tinubu has approved the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, raising hopes for a major expansion of maritime activities, investment and employment opportunities in the South-South region.

The approval was announced on Friday, November 6, during the President’s visit to Uyo, where he attended an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally and responded to requests presented by Governor Umo Eno.

Tinubu also approved the elevation of Victor Attah International Airport to international standards, strengthening the state government’s plans to improve its air transport infrastructure.

Governor Eno had linked Akwa Ibom’s support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid to the delivery of the seaport, promising that the state would mobilise two million votes for the President if the Federal Government helped bring the project to reality.

Eno described the proposed facility as a strategic investment capable of transforming the state’s economy and extending its benefits across the South-South and the wider country.

He said the port would serve as a major transhipment centre, facilitate international trade, attract investors and generate thousands of employment opportunities.

The project, originally conceived under former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, has remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive administrations’ development plans.

Tinubu had also pledged support for the project during his 2023 presidential campaign visit to Akwa Ibom, drawing comparisons with the Lekki Deep Seaport, which was developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor.

The latest approval represents a significant development in Akwa Ibom’s efforts to establish a major maritime and industrial hub, although the project will still require the necessary implementation and construction processes before becoming operational.