By Obiabin Onukwugha
Akwa Ibom State governor, Umoh Eno, has urged foreign investors to Ibom Deep Seaport, to enable its realization.
Governor Umoh Eno made the call at the opening of a 3-Day Niger Delta Blue Economy summit themed: “Harnessing Blue Economy Potentials For Sustainable Development in The Niger Delta”, in Uyo Akwa Ibom State capital on Wednesday.
Eno who was represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, said lack of investors especially foreign investors had delayed the speedy realization of the seaport. He pointed out that all the regulations, certifications, and approvals required for the project have been met, with roads leading to the seaport already under construction.
Eno explained that the government is already embarking on multi-billion naira marine infrastructure project to revive maritime transportation, create commercial activity within the maritime corridor in the State, by creating direct and indirect employment around the maritime ecosystem.
“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 said.
Earlier, the Convener of the summit, Mr. Kingdom Blessing, stated that the Niger Delta region can be transformed if its Blue Economy potentials are fully harnessed. He encouraged the Akwa Ibom government to ensure that the Ibom Deep Seaport project is actualised.
The Co-convener of the summit, Dr Uche Igwe noted that the blue economy is a shift from old extractive models to more refined model that would boost the economy and create jobs in the Niger Delta region.
