President Tinubu approves the Ibom Deep Seaport after Governor Umo Eno renewed the request during a rally in Uyo

President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State, announcing the decision on Friday, November 6, 2026, during a reception and rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

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Tinubu gave the approval after Governor Umo Eno renewed the state’s request for the project, which has remained unrealised for decades despite repeated efforts by successive administrations to secure its development.

Responding to the governor’s appeal, the President said the proposed facility should promote inclusive development, create economic value and deliver tangible benefits to the people.

“Now, development must be even inclusive and reasonable, must bring progress and create economic value. I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port,” Tinubu said.

After repeating the request, the President asked the crowd whether they would vote, before declaring, “Okay, It’s approved.”

The announcement followed a pledge by Eno that Akwa Ibom State would deliver two million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government approved the seaport project.

“Give us Ibom Deep Seaport, we will deliver two million votes. This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” the governor said.

Eno described the seaport as the most important economic demand of the people, arguing that its development would reshape the state’s maritime, industrial and employment sectors.

He said Akwa Ibom residents had remained loyal to Tinubu since 2023 and were asking the President to fulfil his earlier promise to establish the facility.

Tinubu had pledged to build the deep seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium. At the time, he cited the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as an example of the kind of project he hoped to deliver in Akwa Ibom.

The Ibom Deep Seaport, originally conceived under former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, has featured in development plans and political campaign promises for years without being realised.

Eno said the proposed port would serve as a major transhipment hub, create thousands of jobs and open Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment.

He also said the state had aligned itself with the Federal Government by joining the All Progressives Congress, describing the move as part of efforts to attract greater federal involvement and development.

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The governor assured Tinubu of the state’s support for his 2027 re-election bid, presenting the seaport approval as a major economic benefit Akwa Ibom expects from the President’s administration.