President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State following a request by Governor Umo Eno during his visit to the state on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu announced the approval at a reception and All Progressives Congress (APC) rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The President, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, said the proposed facility would promote inclusive development, create economic value and expand commercial opportunities.
Responding to the governor’s request, Tinubu said, “I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port.”
He subsequently declared the project approved.
The announcement followed a pledge by Eno that the state would deliver 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 a major economic opportunity capable of unlocking the potential of Akwa Ibom, the South-South region and Nigeria.
According to him, the facility would serve as a major transshipment hub, create thousands of employment opportunities and open the state to international trade and investment.
The project, initially conceived as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, has remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns.
It is proposed for development in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of the state. The state government’s project information indicates that the development has secured several regulatory milestones, including an Environmental Impact Assessment, a Free Trade Zone licence and approval of its Outline Business Case.
Meanwhile, Tinubu also approved the request to upgrade the Victor Attah International Airport to international airport status, following another appeal by the governor.
The President’s announcement has renewed expectations for the implementation of the long-awaited seaport, although details of its funding arrangements and construction timeline were not disclosed in the reports.
