The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and other relevant agencies to develop concrete plans for the establishment of the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State.
The call followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Mr. Unyime Idem and nine other lawmakers during plenary.
Presenting the motion, Mr. Idem noted that the NPA had projected that the Ibom Deep Seaport could attract investments worth over $5.6 billion, adding that the project holds immense potential for economic transformation in the region and across Nigeria.
He, however, lamented that progress on the project had stalled, despite its potential to boost local economies, generate employment, stimulate industrial growth, and strengthen the maritime value chain.
"The completion of the Ibom Deep Seaport would also enhance the implementation of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) initiatives and advance the nation's blue economy targets," he said.
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Citing a 2020 report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Idem disclosed that the Niger Delta loses about $1.2 billion annually due to port inefficiencies. He added that while the blue economy currently contributes about 2% to Nigeria's GDP, the President's goal of raising it to between 5% and 10% makes the seaport's development even more urgent.
He further explained that Nigeria's existing port capacity, estimated at 1.7 trillion TEUs, is overstretched—leading to congestion, shipment delays, and high logistics costs that hinder export competitiveness and slow economic growth.
Mr. Idem also noted that the revival of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), projected to boost intra-African trade from 18% to 52% by 2030, further highlights the need for expanded maritime infrastructure such as the Ibom Deep Seaport.
He emphasised that Nigeria's vast coastline and Akwa Ibom's strategic position on the Atlantic Ocean offer significant potential for export-driven economic expansion, with the Ibom Deep Seaport serving as a critical driver for trade, logistics, and regional development.
