Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon, has disclosed that logistics are getting set for the groundbreaking ceremony of Ibom Deep Seaport, come November this year.
He also revealed that funds have been made available for further infrastructure upgrade of Ibom International Airport.
Fielding questions from Business Hilights Bureau Chief for South-South in Uyo, he said every needed process for the seaport construction activities had been completed, remaining signing negotiation with the preferred bidder.
According to him, the state governor, Udom Emmanuel has made it clear that “Anywhere in the world that you have a seaport, it is capable of changing the narrative of the society because of the employment opportunity it creates”.
“That is why upon assumption of office, Governor Emmanuel set up a technical committee to ensure that the Ibom Deep seaport project is realized.
“And with the level that we have reached now, by the end of November this year, God willing, there should be a ground breaking. The most important thing was getting a preferred bidder. We have done that. The bidder’s conference was held in May this year in Uyo.
“Now we are going to go into negotiations with them, and sign the necessary agreements. This is then sent to the Federal Government which will now approve, and when that is done, I can assure you that the construction of the Port will now commence. Akwa Ibom State government believes we need this project and that is why we are partnering the Federal Government to make sure this project comes alive.”
Okon who dismissed speculations that the location of the Deep seaport had been changed from Ibaka in Mbo LGA to Ibeno LGA of the state, said Ibaka remains the official location of the seaport.
