Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the state’s worsening ecological challenges and support the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project.
Speaking after leading a high-powered delegation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Governor Eno emphasised that Akwa Ibom was facing severe environmental threats, particularly from gully erosion, which is endangering communities and even government infrastructure.
He noted that the delegation, which included former governor Udom Emmanuel, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders, came to show solidarity with President Tinubu and encourage him in his leadership.
“We have major ecological issues, including gully erosion that is almost consuming the Government House. Our request to Mr. President is for a presidential intervention to help us address this urgent issue,” the governor stated.
He revealed that the state government had already embarked on an ambitious effort to reclaim affected areas and transform them into viable infrastructure.
“We are turning an erosion site into a resort as part of our development efforts. I have invited Mr. President to commission this very ambitious project, and we hope for federal support to expand these initiatives,” he added.
Governor Eno also underscored the importance of the Ibom Deep Seaport to both the state and the national economy, noting that no state government could execute such a large-scale project alone.
“We need the federal government’s support to make the Ibom Deep Seaport a reality. This project will not only transform Akwa Ibom but will also be a game-changer for the entire region and the country,” he said.
According to the governor, the proposed seaport, with a depth of 17.2 meters—the deepest in Nigeria—holds the potential to boost trade, create jobs, and enhance economic growth.
“We have already started constructing access roads and other infrastructure, but we need the federal government to step in and support us,” he stressed.
