A/Ibom Boosting Seaport, Aviation Infrastructure To Diversify Economy Beyond Oil – Govt

The Akwa Ibom State Government has underscored the importance of looking beyond oil as the major driver of the economy, noting that it was time to harness the blue economy and its potential for strategic diversification.

Highlighting the progress so far made in this direction, especially in the areas of allied sectors -aviation, maritime, hospitality business, judicial and industrial infrastructure- leaders of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at the

ongoing Ministerial Briefing said the policy redirection aimed at attracting investments and job creation for the teeming unemployed youths.

Besides, the event held at the former Governor Akpan Isrmin Hall, Government House, Uyo, was designed to promote transparency, public accountability and awareness of government programmes and policies under the ARISE Agenda blueprint of the administration.

Speaking at the briefing, the Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Mr. Emem Bob, disclosed that the Ministry coordinates strategic infrastructure projects, provides technical and policy direction, and works with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to ensure timely delivery, adding that “the investments were intended to strengthen economic connectivity, stimulate enterprise and improve internally generated revenue.”

In aviation, Mr Bob disclosed that the 27,173-square-metre, three-level Smart International Terminal at Victor Attah International Airport was 93 per cent complete and already operational.
Designed to handle up to 3 million passengers annually, the terminal, it was learnt, features five passenger boarding bridges, five contact stands, self-check-in facilities, international processing areas and a transit hub. Its maiden international flight to Accra, Ghana, took place in May 2026, while regular flight operations commenced in June.

“The facility is expected to boost tourism, cargo movement, commerce, investment and employment in logistics, hospitality, real estate and airport support services,” he stated.

Supporting aviation infrastructure includes a 1.814-kilometre international terminal access road, 800 metres of underground and side drainage, a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar with back-of-house facilities, and an international terminal apron designed for wide-body and narrow-body aircraft.

“Following an inspection of the MRO facility, Airbus submitted adaptation requirements, while efforts to secure a suitable operator are ongoing. Other facilities include a 14.1-kilometre high-security operational fence, parallel taxiway, rapid-exit infrastructure, apron extension and airfield lighting systems designed to improve security, aircraft movement and operational safety in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards,” Bob stressed.

In the hospitality and conference sector, the 63,549-square-metre Ibom International Convention Centre features conference and multipurpose halls, an amphitheatre, meeting rooms and parking for 615 vehicles.

“It is designed to host international conferences, exhibitions and cultural events. Complementing it is the 13-storey, 220-room Ibom International Hotel, occupying 44,000 square metres and featuring laundry facilities, parking and a solar farm.

“A professional hospitality management firm has been appointed to support efficient operations, profitability and job creation, with the hotel expected to accommodate visitors and delegates attending events at the convention centre.

“The proposed ARISE Shopping City, covering 8.01 hectares, is being developed as a regional retail destination, with supporting security buildings, gatehouses and a fire station. Infrastructure around the Tropicana development includes access roads, a 3.5-kilometre perimeter road network and an eight-metre underground flood-control tunnel.

“Other projects under the ministry’s multidisciplinary supervision include the AKICORP Corporate Building, Itam Industrial Park, AKBC House Complex, Ikot Ekpene International Market, Ibom Towers and Apartments in Lagos, Hotels and Apartments in Abuja, the Ibom International Hospital, a Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Ewet Luxury Gardens,” the Commissioner added.

On judicial infrastructure, Bob explained that the government was pursuing the construction of a Court of Appeal in Akwa Ibom to improve access to justice and stimulate economic activity by increasing demand for transportation, accommodation, and related services.

In the maritime sector, Mr Bob said the Ibom Seaport masterplan and site-specific feasibility studies had been completed, while the full business case had received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Executive Council.

“The process of identifying preferred bidders for the port development is ongoing. The proposed seaport and Ibom Industrial City are expected to expand maritime trade, logistics, industrialisation and investment,” he assured.

According to him, the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport provide technical oversight for selected projects implemented by other MDAs “to ensure coordination, compliance with approved designs and value for money.”

He said the wider infrastructure programme was expected to increase commercial activities, boost contributions to the State’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), expand internally generated revenue and reduce dependence on oil and gas. He commended Governor Eno for the progress recorded in less than three years in office and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining ARISE Agenda 1.0 and its continuation through ARISE Agenda 2.0.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser, Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, Mr Uwem Ekanem, disclosed that the Victor Attah International Airport had recorded 1,998 passenger movements since attaining international status.

“Ibom Air currently operates two scheduled weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays, with frequencies expected to increase as demand grows. Air Peace is expected to commence domestic operations on October 23, 2026, while engagements with other prospective airlines continue,” Ekanem said, adding that additional operators would improve connectivity, increase competition and strengthen airport revenue.

He also highlighted investments in a world-class medical facility, an aviation village for personnel, and plans to upgrade and automate the airport’s substation to reduce electricity costs and improve operational sustainability.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the ministerial media briefing initiative was designed to keep residents informed about government achievements, project implementation and the impact of public investments. He underscored the role of the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port in advancing strategic maritime infrastructure.