The PEER Foundation has urged President Bola Tinubu to refrain from using the Ibom Deep Seaport as a political bargaining chip ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Civil Society Organisation (CSO) maintains that the critical infrastructure should be driven by economic necessity rather than as a reward for electoral support.
The group argued that the residents of Akwa Ibom State possess a legitimate claim to federal infrastructure investment due to the state’s substantial contributions to the national revenue. This follows growing concerns that major federal projects in the South-South region could be leveraged to influence political allegiances in the lead-up to the next election cycle.
In a statement regarding the upcoming 2027 political landscape, the foundation emphasised that the seaport’s completion must be a matter of national economic priority rather than a tool for patronage.
Economic necessity vs political patronage
The Ibom Deep Seaport, located in Akwa Ibom, is intended to serve as a deep-water facility capable of hosting larger vessels that current regional ports cannot accommodate. For years, industry stakeholders have advocated for its full implementation to decongest existing ports and establish a new industrial hub in the Niger Delta.
The PEER Foundation noted that tying such a strategic asset to political loyalty undermines the principles of equitable development. They asserted that the federal government’s obligation to provide infrastructure is directly linked to the various states’ contributions to the Federation Account. Given Akwa Ibom’s significant role in generating national wealth, the group stated that the people are entitled to the delivery of promised large-scale projects.
The foundation expressed concern that using the seaport as a “carrot” for political support could lead to mismanagement or the stalling of the project if political alliances shift. They called for a transparent and non-partisan approach to the project’s funding and execution to ensure it serves the broader national interest.
The project has been a focal point of economic hope for the South-South, designed to help diversify the economy away from crude oil dependency. However, historical delays in construction and funding have kept the facility from reaching its full operational potential.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the pressure on the Tinubu administration to deliver on infrastructure promises in the South-South is expected to grow. The foundation’s demand places the responsibility on the Presidency to ensure that regional development is decoupled from electoral politics.
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