Ibom Deep Seaport Nears Construction As Govt, Foreign Partners Review Progress After France Talks

UYO, AKWA IBOM – The Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified efforts to commence construction of the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport following a high-level technical session in Paris, France, and a fresh inspection of the project site by key stakeholders.

Members of the Ibom Deep Seaport Technical Committee, led by Chairperson Barr. Mfon Ekong Usoro, on Monday visited the proposed port location and adjoining communities to assess infrastructure requirements and accessibility plans ahead of the project’s anticipated take-off.

The inspection came days after Governor Umo Eno, the Ibom Deep Seaport Implementation Committee and officials of Africa Global Logistics (AGL) held discussions in Paris aimed at advancing the long-awaited maritime project.

Truth Live News gathered that the latest site visit was part of ongoing preparations designed to ensure that critical infrastructure and access routes are in place before construction activities begin.

The session commenced at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Works in Uyo before the team proceeded to Unyenge and neighbouring communities for an on-the-spot assessment of developments around the proposed port corridor.

According to the state government, the inspection focused on accessibility plans in view of the projected traffic expected to accompany operations at the deep seaport.

“The visit focused on accessibility plans in view of the projected traffic to the proposed port,” the government stated.

The government further indicated that work is progressing steadily with prospective partners toward the full commencement of the project.

“The Akwa Ibom State Government is steadily advancing with prospective partners toward full commencement of the Ibom Deep Seaport project,” the statement said.

Also participating in the inspection were former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, a member of the Technical Committee; Mr Rabah Ait Ali, Principal Consultant of Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, the project’s master planners; and Engr Prof. Akaninyene Ekong, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects and Director of Projects for the Technical Committee.

The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, his Permanent Secretary and directors of the ministry also joined the tour, alongside the Managing Director of Amitec Construction, Engr Aiman Samua, and aides to the Governor, Dr Essien Ndueso and Engr Solomon Eyo.

The renewed push for the Ibom Deep Seaport project comes amid growing expectations that the facility will serve as a major maritime and logistics hub, stimulate industrial growth, attract investment and create employment opportunities in Akwa Ibom State and the wider South-South region.

While no official date has been announced for the commencement of construction, the latest engagements in France and the subsequent site inspection suggest that the state government is accelerating preparations toward moving the project from the planning stage to implementation.

The Ibom Deep Seaport project is considered one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in Akwa Ibom State and is expected to play a strategic role in expanding Nigeria’s maritime capacity when completed.