President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Ibom Deep Seaport project for Akwa Ibom State, describing it as a major development that will bring significant economic benefits to the state.
Tinubu announced the approval during his visit to Akwa Ibom State on Friday, November 6, where he commended Governor Umo Eno for his administration’s efforts to promote development through infrastructure and other strategic projects.
The President said the proposed seaport would create economic opportunities.
The Ibom Deep Seaport project has long been regarded as a strategic investment that could transform Akwa Ibom’s economy, create employment opportunities for residents and increase government revenue.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Tinubu’s approval came during his two-state visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, which began on Friday.
The President arrived in Uyo, the state capital, to commission several projects completed by Governor Eno’s administration.
Among the projects scheduled for commissioning were the new International Terminal Building, the International Airport Hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village, all located at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Other projects included the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, and Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.
Tinubu was also expected to commission the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort.
Ahead of the President’s visit, Governor Eno declared Friday a work-free day across the state to enable residents and workers to participate in welcoming the President.
The Presidency had earlier disclosed that the visit would provide an opportunity for Tinubu to interact with political stakeholders, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters in the state.
After his engagements in Akwa Ibom, the President is expected to proceed to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday to attend an APC political rally.
The rally will be his third since he officially flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna State last month.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the visits are intended to provide opportunities for Tinubu to engage with party members and supporters while emphasising the importance of unity, political stability and a shared commitment to national development.
The President’s visit to Akwa Ibom comes barely two days after his return to Abuja from Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.
Tinubu had arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday and was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Defence, the Inspector-General of Police and other government officials.
During his stay in Saudi Arabia, the President was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers.
He subsequently thanked the Saudi authorities, particularly King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred structure.
Tinubu disclosed that he used the opportunity to pray for Nigeria and its citizens.
“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,” he stated.
The President also said he prayed for the wisdom and resilience needed to continue leading the country.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” Tinubu said.
