Okon: Ibom Deep Seaport Project Now 75% Complete

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Housing & Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon has said that work on the Ibom Deep Seaport project has attained 75 percent completion.

He stated that the project which has two phases of completion is expected to be ready by the second quarter of next year.

Speaking with THISDAY during a meeting of the Ministerial Project Committee, he said the project had reached an advanced stage as call for expressions of interest (EOIs) is about to be issued to respective investors.

The committee is saddled with powers to approve each stage of the project which is currently at the procurement level.

According to him, the current administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel is working consciously to ensure the seaport comes to fruition during its lifespan especially in view of the immense economic benefits to the people of the state and the country in general.

Okon said: “This project is not only for the Akwa Ibom State Government but also a project between the federal government and state.

“As you know, anywhere in the world where you have ports, it’s capable of changing the narrative of such country.

“I believe as you all know that it’s going to offer many opportunities to our people and generate revenue for both state and federal government.”

However, he explained: “Port development is not just as building a sky-scrapper or any building for that manner;