Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Umo Eno, has committed to the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport, as he officially handed over a befitting office accommodation to the Technical Committee on the Implementation of the Seaport Project.
According to Governor Eno, the Ibom Deep Seaport project is very dear to his heart, and he would spare no effort to ensure its successful completion.
Governor Umo Eno
The Governor made this known while receiving the committee members and consultants in his office on Wednesday.
He was optimistic that the gesture would revitalize members of the committee to work assiduously for the realization of the project, adding that the seaport is a project that will place the state on the global maritime map, as well as serve as a major economic gateway to West and Central Africa.
Receiving the keys to the office accommodation, the Chairman of, Technical Committee on the Implementation of Ibom Deep Seaport, Mfon Usoro, lauded Governor Eno for his interest in the project, adding that with the allocated office, the committee members and consultants would be more energized to move forward with the project effectively and efficiently.
She expressed optimism that the Ibom Deep Seaport would create more employment opportunities for the people of the state, boost business, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In his words, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno, who led the committee members and consultants to the Governor’s office, said the project is dear to the governor, hence his commitment to its implementation.
Meanwhile, Governor Umo Eno has also received a report from the members of the state’s Security Council, highlighting their success so far in the protection of lives and property within the state.
The Governor praised the gallant efforts of the State’s security agencies and promised to continue to provide necessary logistics support to boost their operations. He also enjoined the residents of the state to continue to provide vital information to security agencies to help curb criminal activities.
It will be recalled that Governor Umo Eno had upon assumption of office inaugurated a Technical Committee on the Implementation of Ibom Deep Seaport to fast-track its completion, with renowned economist, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, as its chairman.
However, following his demise in March 2022, the Governor approved the appointment of Mfon Usoro as the new Chairman, while the duo of Engr. Inyang Essien and Engr. Austin Inyang was appointed as the new Deputy Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
The Ibom Deep Seaport project, which is the first deep seaport in the state, is expected to create about 260,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to the report of the Seaport Business Development Services (SBDS), a leading global seaport development specialist based in the United States.
The seaport, which will be located in the Ibeno Local Government Area, will also open up the area for development, as the project is expected to bring more economic benefits to the people.
Meanwhile, Governor Umo Eno has also approved the contract for the construction of the Nwa Nsit -Uruan Road, which connects Nwa, Nsit and Uruan Local Government Areas of the state.
