Umo Eno leads Akwa Ibom delegation to France to advance Ibom Deep Sea Port Project

Business, Economy & Policy

PARIS, France (NPA) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has led a high-level delegation to France as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate the development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, one of Nigeria’s most ambitious maritime infrastructure projects.

The visit comes as the state government intensifies engagements with technical and investment partners following federal approvals and the completion of key project planning stages.

In a statement issued on Friday, Governor Eno disclosed that he chaired a strategic technical session in Paris with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Group and other stakeholders involved in the project.

According to the governor, discussions centred on the recently completed technical feasibility report and the roadmap for moving the project from the planning phase to execution.

“The meeting reviewed the recently completed technical feasibility report and focused on the next steps required to move the project from planning to execution,” Eno said.

“I emphasised the need for clear timelines, defined milestones and accelerated implementation.”

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering the project, describing the Ibom Deep Sea Port as a strategic economic asset capable of transforming Akwa Ibom into a major maritime, trade and logistics hub.

“The Ibom Deep Sea Port remains a key strategic project for our state. We are committed to working with our partners to bring this vision to reality and position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime, trade and logistics destination,” he added.

Earlier in the week, Governor Eno appeared on ARISE Television’s Morning Show (monitored by Newpost Africa), where he explained that the state government was bringing together the necessary technical, financial and development partners required to actualise the project following approvals granted by the Federal Government.

Located in Mbo Local Government Area, the Ibom Deep Sea Port is a flagship component of the broader Ibom Industrial City initiative and is designed to serve as a major maritime gateway for Nigeria, West Africa and Central Africa.

The port is strategically positioned in naturally deep waters, enabling it to accommodate large post-Panamax vessels and ease pressure on existing ports in Lagos and Rivers State.

The project is being developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework and is expected to stimulate economic growth through increased trade, industrialisation, job creation and foreign direct investment.

Upon completion, the port is projected to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness, expand export capacity and support the growth of industries including logistics, manufacturing, oil and gas.

Analysts view the project as a potential game-changer for the South-South region, with the capacity to drive regional integration and position Akwa Ibom as a leading commercial and industrial destination.