By Mercy Gadia Adi
The House of Representatives has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure the speedy establishment of the Ibom Deep Seaport, a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project expected to boost Nigeria’s maritime capacity and regional trade competitiveness.
The motion, titled “Call for Collaboration between Federal and Akwa Ibom State Governments for the Establishment of Ibom Deep Seaport,” was sponsored by Hon. Unyime Idem and co-sponsored by nine lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State, including Hon. Clement Jimbo (Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency).
Leading the debate, Hon. Idem noted that the blue economy presents significant opportunities for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods, but remains largely underutilized in Nigeria, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. He cited a 2022 UNCTAD report which revealed that infrastructure deficits in Nigerian ports have reduced the nation’s export capacity by up to 40 percent.
The lawmakers expressed concern that despite projections by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) that the Ibom Deep Seaport could attract investments worth over $5.6 billion, the project had stalled, depriving the country of enormous economic benefits.
They stressed that the actualization of the project would stimulate local economies, attract foreign direct investments, strengthen the maritime value chain, and enhance the full implementation of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) blueprint.
Speaking in a follow-up interview, Hon. Clement Jimbo described the project as one of national importance, noting that Akwa Ibom’s natural coastline and deep-water features make it a prime location for a deep seaport.
“This is one project that I would gladly support even if the nation has to borrow to implement, From pre-construction to post-construction, it will generate massive revenue, decongest existing ports, create jobs, reduce smuggling, and increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ,”Jimbo said.
He added that the project had already recorded significant progress, with over 14,000 hectares of land acquired, feasibility and impact assessments completed, and front-end engineering designs finalized.
Jimbo further explained that the state government, under Governor Pastor Umo Eno, has committed to providing equity in land and security, while seeking federal collaboration and private investment partnerships to complete the project.
The Ibom Deep Seaport, first conceptualized under former Governor Udom Emmanuel, is envisioned as a strategic maritime and logistics hub to serve the Gulf of Guinea region, reduce congestion at Lagos ports, and position Nigeria as a leading player in global maritime trade.