By James Asuquo
In a rapidly changing global economy where traditional energy sources face increasing scrutiny and diversification becomes paramount, few Nigerian leaders have embraced alternative growth strategies as boldly as Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. His administration’s passionate commitment to actualising the Ibom Deep Seaport and integrating Akwa Ibom into the global Blue Economy value chain has drawn commendation from industry experts, academics, and business leaders alike.
This momentum was evident at the recent Maritime Trade and Logistics Sensitisation Workshop in Uyo, themed “Harnessing the Economic Potentials of Blue Economy Value Chain in Akwa Ibom State for Productivity and Sustainable Growth.” It wasn’t just another policy talk, it was a clarion call for Akwa Ibomites to prepare, participate, and prosper in an emerging economic frontier.
Traditionally dependent on oil revenues, Nigeria, and particularly oil-rich states like Akwa Ibom, has had to contend with the volatility of the global energy market. Governor Umo Eno, through his ARISE Agenda, has positioned his state to tap into the enormous, yet largely underutilized potential of the maritime economy.
The Ibom Deep Seaport, when completed, is expected to join the ranks of Lagos and Rivers as maritime giants. But for Governor Eno, this is about more than infrastructure; it’s about inclusive development. According to Comrade Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, the project is designed to ensure Akwa Ibom people are not mere bystanders in the maritime boom but are key participants.
“Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City will bring opportunities; we want our people to be prepared so that when this administration actualises these projects, our people can be at the forefront of reaping benefits,” Ememobong stated.
The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. It covers a wide range of economic sectors including fisheries, maritime transport, coastal tourism, renewable marine energy, and marine biotechnology.
Dr. Aniefiok Iton, President of Brightflow Conglomerate, emphasised that the maritime sector holds economic potential even greater than oil, particularly when expanded through port infrastructure, logistics, aquaculture, and tourism. She highlighted the diverse nature of the industry, stating that both skilled and unskilled individuals can benefit, if properly trained and positioned.
“Maritime industry serves as a major artery in connecting people, products, and services,” she noted. “It holds an immense role for professionals, academics, and people with no academic background but passion and drive.”
At the heart of the governor’s maritime push is human capital development. Multiple speakers, including Dr. Kingsley Ekwere of Marine and Oceans Academy, and Dr. Friday Ufia from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, stressed the importance of training Akwa Ibom youths with the skills needed to thrive in port-related industries.
Dr. Ufia pointed out that Akwa Ibom already enjoys natural advantages: the longest coastline in Nigeria (129km), excellent road infrastructure, and proximity to existing institutions like the Maritime Academy. What’s needed now, they say, is aggressive skills acquisition and sensitisation—exactly what the state government is working to deliver through seminars like this.
“There is no greater time to look into this than now,” Dr. Ekwere declared, urging citizens to seize the moment before others do.
According to Prof. Akaninyene Ekong, Director of Projects for the Technical Committee on Ibom Deep Seaport, these developments are not standalone initiatives. The Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City (IIC) are part of a comprehensive plan to drive industrialisation across the entire state and region.
“The seaport and land-based infrastructure will drive industrialisation and activate the full potential of the agri-estates, which are already accessible and infrastructure-ready,” Prof. Ekong explained.
This integration between maritime and agriculture means that economic benefits will stretch from coastal towns like Oron and Ibeno to hinterland areas involved in agro-processing, logistics, and support services.
Engr. Godwin Ekong, Acting Director at Akwa Ibom State University’s Centre for Automotive Training, Transport and Logistics (CATTL), lauded the strategic and inclusive blueprint adopted by the state government.
He described the blue economy under the ARISE Agenda as touching every aspect of development—coastal tourism, aquaculture, maritime transport, logistics infrastructure, security, and coastal education.
“We have the emission industry now, private sectors, entrepreneurs. With the right seminars and investments, our people can tap into this and reduce the cost of participating in the blue economy,” he affirmed.
He added that communities like Ibeno and Mbo already have enterprising individuals in small-scale maritime ventures who, with proper training and financing, could become major players in the sector.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Amos Etuk, praised the administration for engaging journalists as critical partners in economic transformation.
“This is a specialised conversation, and I want to assure you that we are ready to walk with you, support this vision, and work toward unlocking the full economic benefits for our state,” Etuk said.
He commended the Commissioner for convening the session and for allowing journalists to be the first to hear and speak about this “transformational project.”
What sets Governor Umo Eno apart is not just his vision, but his strategic execution. The decision to aggressively pursue the Ibom Deep Seaport and to actively prepare Akwa Ibom’s human capital to participate in the Blue Economy shows a clear understanding of modern governance and long-term planning.
While many leaders focus on short-term infrastructure for applause, Governor Eno is planting deep roots that will allow Akwa Ibom to flourish long after his tenure. The seaport project and related industrial developments are not just vanity projects; they are a foundation for economic sovereignty.
Umo Eno’s push into the maritime sector could well be Akwa Ibom’s most significant economic pivot since oil was first discovered. With expert backing, institutional support, and strategic community sensitisation, the Ibom Deep Seaport is not just a structure, it is a symbol of the state’s new direction.
Akwa Ibom is poised to join the global maritime economy, not as a latecomer, but as a well-prepared contender. Under Governor Eno’s leadership, the tides have turned, and they are rising in Akwa Ibom’s favour.
• Asuquo writes from Abuja