A’Ibom Reaffirms Commitment to Deep Seaport Project, Signs MoU with Consortium
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated its determination to ensure the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport project, describing it as a strategic initiative that will accelerate economic growth and open new opportunities for the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
Governor Umo Eno gave the assurance on Monday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and Interaf Group Consortium at Government House, Uyo.
Details of the event were made public in a statement released on Tuesday.
Represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the governor highlighted the importance of the seaport to the long-term development agenda of his administration. He noted that all necessary measures were being taken to move the project from planning to implementation.
“This administration is fully committed to putting the necessary requirements in place to get the Ibom Deep Seaport on course,’’ Eno stated.
He urged the consortium to maintain close collaboration with the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, which is serving as the state government’s designated partner on the project, in order to facilitate seamless execution.
The governor also expressed appreciation to key stakeholders who have supported the initiative over the years. He particularly acknowledged former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Atuekong Don Etiebet, for his involvement and contributions toward advancing the project.
Etiebet, in his remarks, commended Governor Eno for what he described as purposeful leadership and developmental vision. He observed that the current administration has demonstrated strong political will in driving major projects across the state.
The former minister scored the governor high in his visionary and impactful leadership, which, he said, has remarkably ‘’transformed the state for the better’’, noting that the MoU marks a significant milestone in the project’s development, first conceived in 2007.
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Interaf Group, Ezinwa Chinedu Ibekwe, expressed gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Government for entrusting his organization with the responsibility of partnering on the project.
He assured that the consortium was fully prepared to meet expectations and deliver on the agreement, stressing that a cooperative working relationship with all relevant stakeholders would be prioritized.
Ibekwe appreciated the government for the confidence reposed in the company, and assured the government of the consortium’s readiness to deliver on its mandate, promising a collaborative approach to ensure the project’s success.
The Ibom Deep Seaport, first proposed over a decade ago, is expected to position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime hub, create thousands of jobs and boost commercial activities across the region once completed.
