Michael Enyong, the governorship candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Akwa Ibom State, has pledged to begin construction of the Ibom Deep Seaport within 90 days of being elected.
The candidate’s proposal includes a strategic shift in the project’s location, with plans to move the proposed seaport from its current site in Ibeno to Ibaka. Enyong argues that this relocation is necessary to ensure the project’s successful implementation and long-term viability.
During his campaign, Enyong also claimed to have secured interest from American and French investors to fund the development. Addressing concerns regarding the project’s massive capital requirements, he stated that the Akwa Ibom state government is financially capable of meeting its required share of the investment.
The candidate made the promise to start Ibom Deep Seaport construction within 90 days while outlining his administration’s economic priorities for the state.
Strategic relocation and investment claims
The proposal to move the seaport from Ibeno to Ibaka represents a significant departure from previous state government strategies. While Ibeno has been the designated site for the project for several years, the shift to Ibaka suggests a reassessment of the technical or logistical requirements for a deep-sea facility in the region.
The Ibom Deep Seaport has long been a cornerstone of Akwa Ibom’s economic development plan, intended to transform the state into a major maritime hub and reduce the congestion at the ports in Lagos. If completed, the facility is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic activity through logistics, warehousing, and shipping services.
However, the project has faced numerous delays and hurdles over the years, often stalling due to funding difficulties and shifting political agendas. The involvement of international partners from the United States and France, if confirmed, could provide the necessary technical expertise and capital to move the project past its current plateau.
The feasibility of Enyong’s 90-day construction timeline will depend on the immediate mobilisation of these investors and the state’s ability to secure the necessary regulatory approvals. As the election approaches, the NDC has yet to provide a detailed breakdown of the specific financial commitments required from the state government to kickstart the project.
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