The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the commencement of the development of the long awaited Ibom Deep Seaport was signed on Monday between the Akwa Ibom State government and Interaf Group consortium that would handle the development of the project.
At the MoU signing ceremony in Uyo, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering the peoject.
Eno described the Ibom Deep Seaport project as a critical infrastructure aimed at boosting the state’s economy and transforming the region.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, emphasized the project’s significance, urging the consortium to work closely with the government’s representative on the project, the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to ensure its timely execution.
The project, the governor noted, was s a necessity for the people of the State, adding that his administration was fully committed to putting in place the necessary requirements to get it on course.
He commended the consortium for its interest in the project and commended former Petroleum Minister, Atuekong Don Etiebet, for being a part of the team working towards the actualization of the facility in the State.
Atueokong Etiebet scored the Governor high in his visionary and impactful leadership in the state, which, he said, has remarkably transformed the State for the better,
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The MoU, the government said marks a significant milestone in the project’s development, first conceived in 2007.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Interaf Group Consortium, Ezinwa Chinedu Ibekwe, appreciated the Government for the confidence reposed in the company.
He assured the government of the consortium’s readiness to deliver on its mandate, promising a collaborative approach to ensure the project’s successful completion.
The Consortium outlined the modalities and preliminary framework for collaboration in respect of the development and operations of the deep sea port and the Ibom Industrial City.
Present at the ceremony were the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Uko Udom, SAN; Managing Director of AKICORP, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, and other top government functionaries.
