The Akwa Ibom State division of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed disapproval regarding Governor Umo Eno's recent London visit alongside President Bola Tinubu, during which a significant deal concerning the Lagos port was finalized. The PDP has raised concerns about the lack of advancement on the Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State.
Under Governor Eno's administration, the Ibom Deep Seaport has consistently been emphasized as a key priority.
Governor Eno asserts that President Tinubu has assured him of federal backing for the realization of the port project.
In a statement released on Thursday by Ewa Okpo, the party's State Publicity Secretary, the opposition voiced its “bewilderment and disappointment” over the £746 million contract signed in London, which primarily aims to upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos without any reference to the Ibom Deep Sea Port.
The agreement, which involves Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance under Wale Edun and Citi Bank, intends to alleviate congestion, boost efficiency, and enhance Nigeria's trade capacity by improving existing port facilities in Lagos.
However, the PDP contends that the omission of the Ibom Deep Sea Port from such a substantial financing plan raises doubts about the engagement of the Akwa Ibom government with the federal authorities.
Governor Eno had previously indicated that his alignment with the APC-led federal government was aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Ibom Deep Seaport, implying that closer collaboration with the central government would expedite the project’s progress.
Despite almost a year having passed since these claims, the PDP points out that there is no tangible evidence of advancement, despite what it describes as consistent federal initiatives to develop port infrastructure and blue economy projects in other regions.
The party has also raised questions regarding the governor's attendance at the signing ceremony in London, wondering if any discussions were held to ensure the inclusion of the Ibom Deep Seaport in Nigeria's growing maritime development framework.
The PDP insists that building the Ibom Deep Seaport would not only serve the interests of Akwa Ibom but also provide a crucial alternative to the Lagos ports, thereby aiding in the decongestion of Apapa and Tin Can Island while enhancing logistics for businesses in the South-south and South-east areas.
The party has urged the governor to inform the citizens of Akwa Ibom about his discussions in London, including whether any commitments were secured for the Ibom Deep Seaport, or if other funding or partnerships are being sought.
Concerns about the Ibom Deep Seaport have also been echoed by residents of Akwa Ibom following President Tinubu's visit to the UK.
As of now, the Akwa Ibom State Government has not publicly responded to these concerns.
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