By:  Aluu Vincent

The federal government has applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State for his commitment, dedication and selfless service towards the development of the Ibaka Deep Seaport. The Federal government has also pledged its commitment to ensure speedy completion of the project.

This commendation was handed down by the Director Legal Services in the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Pius Oteh, who led a delegation from the Presidency to proposed site of Ibom Deep Seaport at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area. The high-powered team comprised of officials of Ministerial Project Development and Steering Committee (MPDSC), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA).

Mr. Oteh said “the Ministry is not just committed to the completion of Ibom Deep Seaport Poject but will ensure that all the regulatory bodies with oversight on seaport projects play their parts speedily.” Oteh further added, “Let me commend Governor Udom Emmanuel for this vision and the commitment he has shown so far in ensuring the timely completion of the seaport. It takes a selfless leader to embark on such project. I am satisfied with level of work done so far. It is as a result of the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State government that such progress is being made. The Federal government will do its part to ensure timely completion”.

Also speaking, Engr. Chidi Izuwah, the Director General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), established by Act 2005 to promote, facilitate, support and coordinate implementation of a sound PPP process, said project was safe for operation.

The ICRC Boss noted that when completed, the seaport has the capacity to transform the fortunes of the State and South South. He also said that the Port will help to decongest Lagos and other Seaports. Engr. Izuwah expressed satisfaction with the road infrastructure outlay designed for access to and evacuation of goods and services from the seaport, saying “it is world-class and visionary.

His words, “Let me commend Governor Udom Emmanuel for this vision and the commitment he has shown so far in ensuring the timely completion of the seaport. It takes a selfless leader to embark on such project. Ibom deep seaport will be the best seaport in Nigeria with natural draft and it will help to decongest Lagos and other Seaports. I am amazed at the level of progress recorded so far by the Akwa Ibom State Government. How I wish we can just start the construction of the port now because of its ability to create over 5, 000 to 10, 000 direct jobs”.

Conducting the Federal government delegation round the project site, Hon. Akan Okon, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Economic Development and Deep Seaport flanked by Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang, and that of Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, stated that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration is committed to speedy completion of the Deep Seaport project. Others who joined Hon. Akan Okon were Senator Representing Eket Senatorial District, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Chairman of the Steering Committee on Ibaka Deep Sea Port, Barrister Mfon Usoro; stakeholders in the seaport project among others.

While speaking with journalists after the inspection, Commissioner Akan Okon expressed optimism that the proposed March 2020 Operation timeline will be made, considering the level of support and commitment so far made by the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration towards the project. He added that Ibom Seaport will boost economy activities and increase the state internally generated revenue as well as serve as hub for the Gulf of Guinea.