IBOM DEEP SEAPORT PROJECT — WHY IKOT ABASI PRESENTS A STRATEGIC, ECONOMIC AND SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE LOCATION

OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO, GOVERNOR OF AKWA IBOM STATE

IBOM DEEP SEAPORT PROJECT — WHY IKOT ABASI PRESENTS A STRATEGIC, ECONOMIC AND SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE LOCATION

Your Excellency,

I write this open letter with utmost respect and a deep sense of patriotism as an Akwa Ibom son who believes strongly in your administration’s vision of transforming the state into an economic hub through strategic investments and infrastructure development.

Your Excellency, the Ibom Deep Seaport is not just a project; it is a generational economic opportunity that has the potential to change the fortunes of Akwa Ibom State, create massive employment opportunities, attract global investors, strengthen commerce, and position the state as a major maritime gateway in the Gulf of Guinea.

However, your recent concern over disagreements capable of delaying the project and discouraging investors calls for a broader conversation on the most suitable environment that can guarantee the success, sustainability, and uninterrupted operation of this historic project.

Where a host community is unable to provide the unity, cooperation, and stability required for a project of this magnitude, it becomes necessary to consider other locations within the state that possess the natural advantages and strategic capacity to deliver the vision of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

In this regard, I respectfully submit that Ikot Abasi Local Government Area deserves serious consideration as an alternative host location for the Ibom Deep Seaport.

Your Excellency, Ikot Abasi is naturally designed for maritime and industrial development. The area sits within a coastal environment with access to waterways connected to the Atlantic Ocean, making it strategically positioned for a deep seaport that will serve Akwa Ibom, neighbouring states, and the wider West African market.

A successful deep seaport requires more than a shoreline. It requires adequate landmass, room for future expansion, industrial support facilities, transportation networks, security, and a community that understands the importance of development. Ikot Abasi possesses these essential qualities.

The availability of vast land areas in Ikot Abasi provides a major advantage for the establishment of a complete port city — including cargo terminals, warehouses, logistics parks, manufacturing industries, export processing zones, ship-related services, and other businesses that will grow around the seaport.

Your Excellency, Ikot Abasi has already proven its industrial relevance. The presence of major industrial investments in the area demonstrates that it has the capacity to accommodate projects of national and international importance. The people have a history of supporting economic ventures that bring development, employment, and opportunities.

The area is also endowed with economic resources capable of supporting a thriving industrial ecosystem. Its agricultural potential, coastal resources, proximity to existing industrial centres, and strategic location provide the foundation for attracting investors who require an efficient environment for production, processing, and export.

A deep seaport in Ikot Abasi would create an economic chain that extends beyond port operations. It would stimulate the growth of hotels, transportation companies, financial services, construction businesses, manufacturing industries, and thousands of small and medium enterprises.

Most importantly, Ikot Abasi offers a peaceful and investment-friendly environment. Investors require certainty, cooperation, and a stable relationship with host communities before committing billions of naira to major projects. The success of the Ibom Deep Seaport depends not only on engineering designs but also on the confidence investors have in the location and its people.

Your Excellency, history has shown that great ports become engines of economic transformation when they are placed in locations with the right combination of geography, resources, accessibility, and community support. Ikot Abasi has these ingredients.

Relocating the project to Ikot Abasi, if necessary, should not be interpreted as depriving any community of development opportunities. Rather, it should be viewed as a strategic decision to protect the collective interest of Akwa Ibom State and ensure that a project of such importance is not delayed by avoidable challenges.

The ultimate goal should be the successful realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport — a project that belongs to all Akwa Ibom people and future generations.

Your Excellency, I respectfully appeal to your administration to consider Ikot Abasi as a strong alternative location should the present challenges remain unresolved. The area has the natural environment, economic foundation, human capacity, and strategic advantage required to host a world-class deep seaport.

The future economic prosperity of Akwa Ibom State depends on bold decisions today. Ikot Abasi stands ready to partner with your administration in turning the dream of the Ibom Deep Seaport into a reality.

May your administration continue to receive wisdom and courage as you lead Akwa Ibom towards greater economic transformation.

Respectfully,

Uko Callistus
Writes from Ikot Abasi Local Government Area