NEWS
President Tinubu Approves Ibom Deep Seaport, Set To Transform Akwa Ibom’s Economy As President Commissions Major Projects
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the long-anticipated Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State, raising fresh hopes for a major economic transformation, increased investment opportunities and thousands of potential jobs for residents of the state.
The President announced the approval on Friday, November 6, 2026, during his official visit to Akwa Ibom, where he commended Governor Umo Eno for his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development and the implementation of strategic projects aimed at repositioning the state for greater economic prosperity.
The approval represents a significant milestone for Akwa Ibom, as the proposed deep seaport is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious economic infrastructure projects in the state’s development agenda.
When fully developed, the Ibom Deep Seaport is expected to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as a major maritime and commercial destination, attract local and international investors, create direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate industrial activities and expand the state’s revenue base.
The project is also expected to open new economic corridors for businesses, manufacturers, exporters and importers, while providing opportunities for the development of supporting industries, logistics services, transportation and other maritime-related enterprises.
For years, the proposed seaport has remained a major component of Akwa Ibom’s long-term economic development aspirations, with expectations that its eventual implementation could significantly enhance the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s maritime and international trade sectors.
President Tinubu’s approval was announced during his two-state visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, which commenced on Friday, November 6.
The President arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to commission several landmark projects executed by Governor Eno’s administration, reflecting the state government’s investments in aviation, transportation, tourism, security infrastructure and road development.
Among the major facilities scheduled for commissioning were the new International Terminal Building at the Victor Attah International Airport, the International Airport Hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village.
The aviation-related projects are considered important components of the state’s efforts to strengthen its transportation infrastructure, improve passenger experience and position Akwa Ibom as an emerging destination for aviation and related economic activities.
Other projects on the President’s commissioning schedule included the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, as well as Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.
President Tinubu was also expected to commission the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort, further highlighting the range of infrastructure and institutional projects undertaken by the Eno administration.
In preparation for the presidential visit, Governor Eno had declared Friday a work-free day across Akwa Ibom State to enable residents, public servants and other stakeholders to participate in welcoming the President.
The Presidency had earlier explained that the visit would also provide an opportunity for Tinubu to interact with political stakeholders, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters across the state.
Following the conclusion of his engagements in Akwa Ibom, the President is expected to travel to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday, November 7, to attend an APC political rally.
The rally will mark his third major political outing since officially flagging off his re-election campaign in Kaduna State last month.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the visits are designed to strengthen engagement between the President and members of the ruling party, while providing opportunities to discuss political unity, stability and a collective commitment to national development.
President Tinubu’s visit to Akwa Ibom comes barely two days after his return to Abuja from Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, otherwise known as Umrah.
The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday and was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police; and other senior government officials.
During his religious visit to Saudi Arabia, Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers.
Following the experience, the President expressed appreciation to the Saudi authorities, particularly King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred structure.
President Tinubu disclosed that he used the spiritually significant opportunity to pray for Nigeria and its citizens, particularly for peace, unity and prosperity.
“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,” he stated.
The President also revealed that he sought divine guidance, wisdom and the resilience required to continue discharging his responsibilities as Nigeria’s leader.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” the President said.
With the presidential approval of the Ibom Deep Seaport now announced, attention is expected to shift towards the next stages of the project, including its implementation, investment mobilisation and eventual construction.
For Akwa Ibom, the development could represent a defining moment in its economic journey, with the potential to unlock new opportunities in maritime commerce, industrialisation, tourism, logistics and employment, while strengthening the state’s ambition to become 
one of Nigeria’s leading economic destinations.