NYCN Urges Tinubu to Fast-Track Ibom Deep Seaport Project for Akwa Ibom’s Development
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Akwa Ibom Chapter, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to translate his promises into immediate action by fast-tracking the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project. The council stressed that the project holds the key to unlocking significant economic opportunities for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole.
The plea came shortly after Governor Umo Eno officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a grand reception on Saturday, June 21, 2025. During his speech, Governor Eno said his major reason for aligning with the ruling party was to ensure that the Ibom Deep Seaport project finally takes off, ending over three decades of delay under successive administrations.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Monday, NYCN President Solomon Adodo expressed the youths’ optimism that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda will deliver the long-anticipated seaport. He commended Tinubu’s broader developmental agenda, which he said is already evident across economic reforms, infrastructure, security, and youth empowerment.
“We cannot ignore the reality before us. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is breathing new life into our country,” Adodo said. “The youth see it, the world sees it, and Akwa Ibom, under Governor Umo Eno’s inclusive leadership, will surely benefit from this purposeful partnership.”
The youth leader also praised the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Youth, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, for his consistent support and direct engagement with young people. Adodo highlighted the commissioner’s role during the President’s recent visit as evidence of strong leadership and patriotism.
However, the NYCN maintained that words alone are not enough and pressed the federal government to act decisively. “We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expedite the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, a transformative initiative with the potential to unlock jobs, drive industrial growth, and fortify our nation’s economic recovery,” Adodo stated.
He emphasized that the success of the project would position Akwa Ibom as a key industrial and maritime hub in Nigeria, which is vital for the country’s long-term economic development.
In addition, the youth council recognized the effort of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending his unwavering commitment to ensuring Akwa Ibom aligns with the progressive vision of the federal government.
Adodo also encouraged Governor Umo Eno to stay the course of good governance and continue investing in youth creativity, enterprise, and resilience. He called for united efforts among all stakeholders to sustain the President’s vision well beyond 2027.
The Ibom Deep Seaport, if completed, is expected to serve as a strategic maritime gateway for West and Central Africa, providing direct access for large vessels, generating employment, and spurring industrialization across the region.
As the youths of Akwa Ibom await visible progress on the project, they are hopeful that the current political alignment will finally deliver the long-promised infrastructure that could reshape the state’s economic future.
