NDC Queries Tinubu’s Fresh Approval of Ibom Deep Sea Port

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s fresh approval of the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, arguing that the project had already received Federal Government approval in 2020.

The party accused the President of turning the long-awaited port project into a political campaign tool, particularly with the 2027 general election approaching.

In a statement on Sunday, the NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the first phase of the $4.6bn project on December 16, 2020.

He said the administration had also named Bollore and Power China as preferred bidders for the project, raising questions about the need for another approval announcement.

Tinubu announced the fresh approval on Friday during a reception at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where he visited to inaugurate projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.

The announcement followed an appeal by Eno for Federal Government intervention in the development of the port, which has remained a major infrastructure aspiration for the state.

Director, however, questioned why the project had returned to the centre of public announcements despite the earlier approval.

“How many times will the APC approve the Ibom Deep Sea Port?” he asked.

He described the latest announcement as another promise by the ruling party, alleging that it was intended to win political support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NDC spokesman also recalled that Tinubu, while campaigning as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, promised to build the port during a rally in Uyo on January 30, 2023.

He argued that the latest announcement had raised concerns about the government’s commitment to moving the project beyond repeated approvals and promises.

Director further compared the development to what he described as the APC’s unfulfilled electricity promises, insisting that Nigerians deserved concrete action rather than recurring political assurances.

The Ibom Deep Sea Port is a proposed major maritime project expected to strengthen shipping and commercial activities in Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region.