President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, describing the proposed project as a major catalyst for economic growth and development in the state and the wider South-South region.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, following a request by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.
The governor had appealed to the President to approve the port project, assuring him that the people of the state would remain grateful if the request received presidential backing.
Responding, Tinubu declared: “Your request for the Ibom Deep Sea Port is hereby approved. The Ibom Deep Sea Port will bring associated economic value and economic development to the people, just as the governor has said.”
The President said the approval reflected his administration’s commitment to extending development opportunities across the country’s geopolitical zones.
He commended Eno for his administration’s infrastructure projects and investment in human capital, recalling that he had earlier approved the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport following a request by the governor.
Tinubu said the development of the airport and the proposed deep sea port would create additional economic opportunities for Akwa Ibom.
“There is no reason why Akwa Ibom cannot leverage the value of its palm trees and agricultural produce. There is no reason that we cannot create skills development — skills that are enduring and everlasting,” he said.
The President also called on young people to assess the credibility, records and commitment of politicians seeking their votes in the forthcoming elections, urging them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the democratic process.
He described the January 16, 2027, elections as consequential, saying the outcome would shape the country’s future.
Tinubu further defended his administration’s economic policies, claiming that Nigeria had moved away from the financial difficulties he inherited when he assumed office.
He said his administration had made progress in addressing salary, pension and gratuity obligations, while also highlighting improvements in education and economic opportunities.
Earlier, Vice-President Kashim Shettima commended the people of Akwa Ibom and the South-South region for their support for the Tinubu administration and the APC.
Shettima urged Nigerians not to be misled by politicians who, according to him, abandon challenges rather than confront them and offer solutions. He also challenged opposition figures to provide alternatives to the policies they criticise.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and South-South governors, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri commended Tinubu for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Diri described the coastal highway as a major infrastructure project and assured the President of the support of the six South-South governors.
“The Coastal Highway is a masterpiece. No President, living or dead, ever conceived it. All six governors of the South-South are solidly behind you. Carry go,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised the South-South governors for their development initiatives and support for the APC-led administration.
Akpabio thanked Tinubu for approving the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture, a Federal University of Technology and a Police Academy in Akwa Ibom State.
At a reception held in the President’s honour at the 70-hectare Arise Palm Resort, Governor Eno said he felt fulfilled by the approval of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, describing it as an important development for the state.
The President-General of the Akwa Ibom Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, His Eminence Dr Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, also expressed support for the President and prayed for the success of his second-term ambition.
During the visit, Tinubu commissioned the new Victor Attah International Airport Terminal Building, Ring Road 3, which links Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom, as well as the Arise Palm Resort.