Ibom Deep Seaport: A’Ibom govt resumes campaign for investment partners

By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO – AKWA Ibom State government has resumed campaign for foreign investors to drive partnership at realizing lingering development of Ibom Deep Seaport.

The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, informed stakeholders of the renewed drive for investors as a 3-Day Summit opened in Ikot Ekpene on the theme: ‘Harnessing Blue Economy Potentials For Sustainable Development in The Niger Delta.’

Represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN), Governor Eno reiterated the imperative to gain private investors’ buy in on the Deep Seaport project as government can’t do it alone.

He told the gathering, “It’s an investment that can only happen if we attract foreign investment in the course of building the Deep Seaport. Nigeria as a nation can’t do it alone. We are still working to attract investment in that regard and I’m sure it will work out.”

He highlighted his administration engagement in delivering a multi-billion naira infrastructure to revive maritime transportation, boost commerce, create jobs and harness econnomic opportunities around the maritime ecosystem.

Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa, hailed the summit as strategic over a blue economy pivotal to the nation’s pursuit of economic diversification.

Abbas assured of Navy’s commitment to safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure and resources, suppressing oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy and sundry maritime crimes that undermine development in the region.

In her remarks, Boma Alabi (SAN) urged regulators in the maritime corridor to wake up to the responsibilities of not just collecting revenue, but ploughing part of what is generated back into the economy to enhance 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 stressed.

Summit Convener, Kingdom Blessing highlighted how maximising potentials of the maritime corridor could transform the Niger Delta, urging Akwa Ibom government to ensure the much talked about Ibom Deep Seaport is realised to achieve set goals.

Co-convener, Dr Uche Igwe,
hoped the summit would have impactful outcomes to not just boost security in the blue economy but attract investors in that sector.

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