Ibom Deep Seaport: Akwa Ibom govt shops for foreign investors 

Akwa Ibom State government says it has opened its doors for foreign investors for the realization of Ibom Deep Seaport,adding that Nigeria as a nation cannot do it alone but needs the foreign investors to come in.

Governor Umo Eno disclosed this at the opening of a 3-Day Niger Delta Blue Economy summit themed: “Harnessing Blue Economy Potentials For Sustainable Development in The Niger Delta.”

Eno who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, said lack of investors especially foreign investors had delayed the speedy realization of the seaport even as he revealed that all the regulations, certifications, and approvals required for the project have been met, and roads leading to the seaport already under construction.

His words, “We will work very hard to ensure it happens. It’s an investment that can only happen if we attract foreign investment in the course of building a deep Seaport. Not only Nigeria as a nation can do it alone. We are still working to attract investment in that regard and I’m sure it will work out.”

Eno explained that the government is already embarking on multi-billion naira marine infrastructure project to revive maritime transportation, create commercial activity within the maritime corridor in the State, by creating direct and indirect employment around the maritime ecosystem.

Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas described the summit as strategic and timely, noting that the blue economy was pivotal to the nation’s pursuit for diversification of the economy.

Abbas, who was represented by Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa at the event, reassured of the Nigerian Navy’s commitments to safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure, protecting marine resources and suppressing illegal activities such as oil theft, piracy, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes that undermine development in the region.
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In her remarks, Boma Alabi (SAN) called on relevant regulatory authorities in the maritime corridor to wake up to their responsibilities of not just collecting revenue but plunging part of the revenue back into the economy inform of providing services.

“It breaks my heart that regulators in the blue economy do not understand their roles. They only collect revenue without reinvesting by providing services. We need them to do what they are paid for, for the economy to succeed.” Alabi said.

On his part, the Convener, Kingdom Blessing highlighted the potentials in the maritime corridor, expressing hope that the Niger Delta would be transformed if the potentials are fully harnessed.

He urged Akwa Ibom government to ensure that the much talked about Ibom Deep seaport sees the light of the day as the benefits would be far reaching.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Co-convener of the summit, Dr Uche Igwe harped on the need to stop the encroachment or exploitation of the maritime corridors which does not have a positive impact on the locals.

He noted that the blue economy is a shift from old extractive models to more refined model that would boost the economy and create jobs in the Niger Delta. He also expressed hope that the summit will have impactful outcomes that would not just boost the security in the blue economy but attract investors in that sector.

Ibom Deep Seaport: Akwa Ibom govt shops for foreign investors