President Bola Tinubu has approved the proposed Ibom Deep-Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State and granted approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport to international airport status.
Tinubu announced the approvals on Friday, November 6, 2026, during a reception and political rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the state capital.
The President’s announcement followed a request by Governor Umo Eno, who described the seaport as a major economic project capable of transforming Akwa Ibom’s maritime and industrial sectors.
During his address, Tinubu acknowledged the request and declared the project approved.
“I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, a request for Ibom’s deep-sea port. Ibom Deep-Sea Port. It’s approved,” the President said.
Before the announcement, Eno had pledged that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government approved and facilitated the development of the seaport.
The governor described the project as a major economic opportunity for the state and the wider South-South region, saying it would serve as a transhipment hub, create thousands of jobs and attract international trade and investment.
The Ibom Deep-Sea Port project, initially conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep-Sea Port and Industrial City, has remained a major infrastructure ambition for the state over the years.
According to the Akwa Ibom State project website, the development has secured Federal Government approval, while its environmental impact assessment and preliminary technical studies have been completed. The project is listed as being at the Full Business Case and procurement stage.
Tinubu also confirmed approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport to international airport status, following a request by the state government.
The President’s visit to Akwa Ibom also featured the inauguration of infrastructure projects completed by the Eno administration, including the airport’s new international terminal building, an airport hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village.
Tinubu said his administration would support initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities in the state, particularly in education, skills development, employment and agriculture.
He also encouraged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The approval marks a significant development in Akwa Ibom’s longstanding pursuit of a deep-sea port, although the project will still require the completion of its remaining business, procurement and implementation processes before construction and operations can proceed.
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