A’Ibom invites Foreign Investors for Ibom Deep Seaport at Niger Delta Blue Economy Summit

 

Photograph of the panelist taken by Ekemini Ekponyoh 

The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared its readiness to partner with foreign investors for the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport project, stressing that Nigeria cannot execute the multi-billion dollar project alone without international collaboration.

Governor Umo Eno made this known at the opening of a three-day Niger Delta Blue Economy Summit themed, “Harnessing Blue Economy Potentials for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta.” 

The Governor, who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, noted that while all necessary regulations, certifications, and approvals for the Ibom Deep Seaport have been secured, inadequate foreign investment has slowed down its speedy realization.

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

Governor Eno further revealed that access roads to the proposed seaport are already under construction. He added that the state government is embarking on multi-billion naira marine infrastructure projects aimed at revitalizing maritime transportation, stimulating commercial activities along the maritime corridor, and generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities within the maritime ecosystem.

Also speaking at the summit, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the event as strategic and timely, emphasizing that the blue economy is central to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. Represented by Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa, the Naval Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure, protecting marine resources, and combating maritime crimes such as oil theft, piracy, illegal bunkering, and other criminal activities that hinder development in the Niger Delta.

In her remarks, maritime law expert, Boma Alabi (SAN), challenged regulatory authorities operating within the maritime corridor to move beyond revenue collection and invest back into the sector through effective service delivery.

“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,” she said.

The Convener of the summit, Kingdom Blessing, outlined the vast untapped potentials within the maritime corridor, expressing optimism that the Niger Delta could witness significant transformation if these opportunities are properly harnessed.

 He urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure the Ibom Deep Seaport project becomes a reality, noting that its benefits would be far-reaching.

Earlier in his welcome address, Co-Convener of the summit, Dr. Uche Igwe, stressed the need to curb the exploitation and encroachment of maritime corridors, which he said often negatively impact local communities.

 He explained that the blue economy represents a shift from old extractive models to more sustainable and refined approaches capable of boosting economic growth and creating jobs across the Niger Delta.

Dr. Igwe expressed hope that the summit would produce actionable outcomes capable of strengthening security in the maritime sector and attracting much-needed investments into the blue economy.

In his goodwill message at the summit, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas described the summit as strategic and timely as the blue economy was necessary in the nation's pursuit for a diversified economy.

Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa at the summit explained that the sustainable development of the Niger Delta was connected to the effective governance and security of nigeria's maritime domain, added that the Nigerian Navy established the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria in June 2024 to drive the knowledge base for blue economy in Nigeria.

He maintained that Navy would continue to safeguard critical maritime infrastructure, protect marine resources and suppress illegal activities and other maritime crimes that undermine development in the south south region, as well as support collaborative efforts targeted at long-term stability, investor confidence and inclusive growth in the Niger Delta.

"Nigeria has vantage geographical position in the resource-rich gulf of guinea, the stores upon the country are blue economy endowments. Interestingly these endowments aside from Lagos and small portion of ogun state are domiciled in the Niger Delta.

"To sustainably enhance these resources which offers huge potentials for national development a secure stable and well-regulated maritime environment is required.

"It is in recognition of this trite truth that the niger navy places maritime security at the center of national efforts to unlock nigeria's blue economy opportunities through sustained presence at sea, enhanced maritime domain awareness robust interagency collaboration and partnerships with regional and international stakeholders.

"The Nigerian Navy remains committed to safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure, protecting marine resources and suppressing illegal activities such as food oil theft, piracy, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes that undermine development in the region". He added