Akwa Ibom seeks presidential support for erosion control, deep seaport development

By Kunle Sanni

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in tackling the state’s worsening erosion crisis and to support the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

Governor Eno made the appeal on Friday when he led a high-powered delegation of political leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the meeting, the governor highlighted the severe impact of gully erosion, which he said was threatening key infrastructure, including the Akwa Ibom Government House.

“We have serious ecological challenges in Akwa Ibom. Gully erosion is almost consuming even the Government House,” Eno stated.

He revealed that the state government had launched a major reclamation effort, transforming one of the worst-affected sites into the Arise Resort, a new tourism hub. He invited the President to commission the project while seeking federal assistance for broader erosion control efforts.

Governor Eno also urged President Tinubu to support the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, emphasizing its economic importance to the state, the South-South region, and the country as a whole.

“No state government can build a deep seaport alone. We need federal government intervention,” he said.

“With a depth of 17.2 meters, the Ibom Deep Seaport is one of the deepest in the country. We have already started constructing access roads and other infrastructure, but we need the federal government’s involvement to bring the project to completion.”

Beyond seeking federal intervention, the delegation also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Akwa Ibom indigenes to key federal positions.

“Part of our visit was to thank Mr. President for standing by our son, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as Senate President, and for appointing our sons and daughters into strategic federal roles, particularly the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas),” Eno said.

The governor also commended Tinubu’s economic reforms, acknowledging early difficulties but noting signs of recovery.

“When the President took over, the economy was struggling, but we have begun to see signs of improvement. We must encourage him to continue these reforms because when leaders are supported, they achieve more,” he added.

Governor Eno emphasized that political differences had not stopped Akwa Ibom’s leaders from working together for the state’s progress.

“Today, you saw past leaders—Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, and myself—united in our commitment to the sustainable development of Akwa Ibom,” he noted.

As a mark of appreciation, Akwa Ibom’s traditional rulers conferred on President Tinubu the title Otuekong, meaning “Commander-in-Chief,” recognizing his leadership and contributions to the state.

“The traditional rulers wanted to show that we stand with the President and will support him in his leadership journey,” Eno said.