President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport project and the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport to international standards, pledging federal government support for infrastructure development and economic expansion in Akwa Ibom State.
Tinubu announced the approvals on Friday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Uyo, responding to requests presented by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.
The President said the deep seaport project would create significant economic opportunities, attract investments and strengthen commercial activities in the state.
“It is approved, Ibom Deep Seaport will bring associated economic value and economic development here,” Tinubu declared.
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On the proposed airport upgrade, the President confirmed that approval had already been granted, emphasising the importance of modern aviation infrastructure to economic growth.
“Your leader made a request for international airport status. I approved it,” he said.
The approvals represent significant developments for Akwa Ibom’s ambition to strengthen its position as an investment and commercial destination in Nigeria’s South-South region.
The proposed Ibom Deep Seaport is expected to support maritime trade, improve cargo-handling capacity and create opportunities across logistics, manufacturing, shipping and other related industries.
Tinubu also commended Governor Eno for sustaining infrastructure development, stressing that continuity in governance and effective leadership were essential to achieving lasting economic progress.
Describing his visit to Akwa Ibom as a homecoming, the President recalled his professional engagements with Mobil during his earlier career, when he worked as an auditor and travelled to Eket for official assignments.
“Coming to Akwa Ibom is like homecoming for me,” he said, recalling the challenges of travelling by boat during his assignments in the area.
The President also pledged to expand opportunities for young Nigerians through education, vocational training, skills acquisition, employment and agricultural development.
“I promise you a better future. I promise you development. I promise you education. I promise you skill development. I promise you jobs,” he told the gathering.
He identified oil palm cultivation as an important economic opportunity for Akwa Ibom, urging the state to maximise its agricultural resources to stimulate industrial development and create sustainable employment.
“There is no reason why Akwa Ibom cannot use the economic palm trees and the palm plantations here,” Tinubu stated.
Addressing preparations for the 2027 general elections, the President urged eligible Nigerians, particularly young people, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the electoral process.
“The weapon you have is the PVC. If you have not collected it, please go ahead and collect your Permanent Voter Cards,” he said.
Tinubu’s visit also featured the inauguration of several infrastructure projects executed by the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Eno.
Among the projects were the new International Terminal Building, International Airport Hospital and Ibom Aviation Village at Victor Attah International Airport.
Other projects scheduled for inauguration included the Airport-Okopedi Road, Ring Road 3, AKWA-GIS Office Complex, Command and Control Centre and ARISE Palm Resort.
The President’s engagements formed part of his visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, combining infrastructure commissioning with political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The proposed deep seaport and airport development are expected to feature prominently in Akwa Ibom’s long-term economic ambitions, particularly efforts to attract private investment, expand trade and strengthen the state’s connectivity with domestic and international markets.