Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has assured that the Ibom Deep Seaport will not be a white elephant project as the State government has put measures in place to ensure that it becomes one of the major drivers of the state’s economy.
He gave the assurance in an address at the opening of a three-day Niger Delta Blue Economy summit on Tuesday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom.
Represented at the occasion by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom, the governor said that investors were also required to drive the project to actualisation.
According to him, all regulations, certifications, and approvals required for the project have been met, adding that the road leading to the seaport was already under construction.
He said, “Ibom Deep Seaport is not going to be a white elephant thing. I can assure you the work has gone very far. We’ve done all the regulatory imperatives that are on the ground.
“We have all the certifications, all the approvals required, and the roads under construction to lead to the seaport proper. This is the most natural seaport you can ever have in Nigeria. There’ll be no dredging of any sort.”
Similarly, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, said the summit’s timing was strategic because the blue economy was pivotal to Nigeria’s resolve to diversify its economy.
Abbas, represented by Rear Adm. Sunday Atakpa at the event, also added that effective security of Nigeria’s maritime domain was needed to enhance the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
He said that the Nigerian Navy established the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria in June 2024 to boost the knowledge base for the blue economy in Nigeria.
In his address, the former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr Mehdi Jomaa, said that the government should invest in its local potential to boost its blue economy.
Jomaa said that Tunisia had had experience in the blue economy that would be beneficial to Nigeria.
He said that Tunisia’s blue economy had thrived through the development of its ports, trade, and maritime roads among others.
According to Jomaa, Nigeria can build a good future for itself by investing in the blue economy.
He said that Nigeria, with a large coastal area, a large population, a market, good elites, and its youth, had the capacity to make its dreams for a sustainable blue economy, a reality.
He said that with a clear vision, direction, and good leadership, including good implementation, Nigeria’s blue economy would blossom.
“We are at this point where there is a reconfiguration of the world, and it’s time to wake up, to stand up, and to walk for the future, to prepare for the future.
“And it’s one of the areas where we can hope for the best growth in the continent, and the best growth for the people.
“It’s important to have the vision, but it’s not enough. Without vision, we cannot do anything. It’s to have the team and leadership.
“I spent only two days and I found many opportunities for collaboration with our experience, but your experience as well. There is a lot to do,” he said.
He also expressed happiness to be part of the Niger Delta initiative on the blue economy.
By Dianabasi Effiong
