President Bola Tinubu has approved a request for the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State and confirmed his earlier approval for an international upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport, following appeals from Governor Umo Eno during a visit to Uyo on Friday, 6 November 2026.
The President announced the seaport decision at an All Progressives Congress rally in the state capital. Eno had sought federal backing for the maritime project, which has long featured in discussions about expanding the state’s transport infrastructure and commercial capacity.
“It is approved; Ibom Deep Seaport will bring associated economic value and economic development here,” Tinubu told the gathering, according to the account published by the federal broadcaster Voice of Nigeria. His remarks constituted an announcement of approval, rather than confirmation that construction had started or that the port was operational.
Tinubu also referred to Eno’s request concerning Victor Attah International Airport. “Your leader made a request for international airport status. I approved it,” he said. The remarks did not establish that the airport had completed all regulatory, operational or infrastructure requirements associated with international services.
The decisions were announced during a visit that combined state infrastructure engagements with political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. Tinubu inaugurated the new international terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport, while other facilities presented during the visit included an airport hospital and an aviation village.
Among the state projects highlighted were Ring Road 3, the Airport–Okopedi Road, the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, a command and control centre and the ARISE Palm Resort. These were identified as projects of the Akwa Ibom State Government, rather than works newly completed under the seaport approval.
The proposed seaport would give Akwa Ibom an additional focus for maritime investment if the necessary financing, regulatory processes and construction arrangements are secured. No independently verified completion timetable, construction contract value or confirmed start date for the newly approved project was established in the announcements reviewed.
Tinubu told the gathering that investment in infrastructure should be accompanied by opportunities in education, skills development and employment. He also urged the state to develop its oil palm resources, identifying agriculture and processing as potential areas of economic activity.
The President recalled working with Mobil earlier in his career and travelling for assignments in Eket. He described the return to Akwa Ibom as a homecoming and commended Eno’s administration for its infrastructure programme.
At a separate reception, Eno welcomed the seaport approval. Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior political figures attended the President’s engagements, which also included a campaign rally.
Tinubu used the rally to urge young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the electoral process. He also defended his administration’s economic record, making claims about improved public finances and economic conditions that were not independently established by the seaport announcement.
The airport and seaport decisions concern different stages of infrastructure development. The airport terminal was presented as an inaugurated state project, while the seaport remained at the presidential approval stage in the information released on Friday. Further official documentation would be needed to establish the project’s implementation arrangements and schedule.
