The long-delayed Ibom Deep Seaport, a US$4.2 billion proposed deepwater port in Akwa Ibom State, is showing renewed signs of progress after more than a decade of delays. With land acquisition completed and environmental approvals secured, stakeholders now say the project is closer than ever to entering the construction phase—a critical step toward easing congestion at Nigeria’s existing ports and boosting regional economic development. This Ibom Deep Seaport project 2025 update reflects growing momentum behind one of West Africa’s most anticipated maritime infrastructure projects.
Located in Ibeno, along the Atlantic coast, the seaport is designed to accommodate post-Panamax vessels—large container ships that cannot access many of Nigeria’s current ports. The facility aims to include container terminals, dry bulk handling, oil and gas logistics zones, and an integrated free trade zone, positioning it as a key gateway for exports and industrial growth in the Niger Delta and South-South region.
In recent months, the Akwa Ibom State Government, through the Ibom Industrial City Development Company (IICDC), has intensified efforts to attract private investors and secure financing. Governor Umo Eno’s administration has confirmed that feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments (EIA) have been finalized, clearing two major regulatory hurdles.
At a public briefing in October 2025, state officials stated that discussions are ongoing with international infrastructure firms and multilateral financiers, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and China’s export credit agencies, to structure a public-private partnership (PPP) model for funding and operations.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has also reaffirmed its support, listing the Ibom Deep Seaport as a priority in its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. Once operational, the port is projected to handle over 1 million TEUs annually in its first phase and generate tens of thousands of jobs in logistics, manufacturing, and services.
Business leaders across the region welcome the progress. “A functional deep seaport in the East could revolutionize how we move goods,” said a senior logistics executive based in Port Harcourt, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It would reduce truck traffic, lower costs, and open new export corridors.”
Environmental groups continue to call for transparency, particularly regarding marine ecosystems and coastal erosion risks. However, project planners say climate-resilient design and mangrove conservation measures are being integrated into the master plan.
With Nigeria seeking to expand non-oil exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the timing of this Ibom Deep Seaport project 2025 update is strategically vital.
While no formal groundbreaking date has been announced, the convergence of cleared land, federal backing, and investor interest suggests the project may finally be moving from vision to reality.
And when construction begins, it won’t just mark the start of a port.
It will mark the start of a new chapter for Nigeria’s maritime economy.
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