By Majeed Salaam
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the elevation of Akwa Ibom State’s airport to international status and expressed support for the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, signalling potential federal backing for two major infrastructure projects expected to expand the state’s commercial and industrial capacity.
The President announced the decisions on Friday during a visit to the state, following a request by Governor Umo Eno for international designation of the airport. He also pledged his administration’s support for the proposed deep seaport, which the state considers central to its maritime trade and industrial development ambitions.
Responding to the airport request, Tinubu declared: “Now, you made a request for international airport status. I approved it.”
The President said Akwa Ibom had significant economic potential that could be harnessed through investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and human capital development. He described the proposed seaport as an important opportunity to stimulate industrialisation, attract investment and create employment.
However, the extent of federal support for the seaport, including its financing arrangements, implementation timeline and development structure, was not specified in the announcement.
The infrastructure commitments came amid growing political engagement between the Presidency and the state government ahead of the 2027 general elections. At a rally attended by supporters, the state pledged to deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the presidential election, while the President solicited support for his re-election.
“I will depend on you to go out there and vote,” he told the gathering, urging eligible residents who had yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so ahead of the elections.
President Tinubu also linked his administration’s development agenda to investments in education, vocational training and employment, promising residents improved economic opportunities.
“I promise you a better future. I promise you development. I promise you education. I promise you skills development. I promise you jobs,” he said.
For Akwa Ibom, the proposed international airport status and federal backing for the deep seaport could strengthen its position as a destination for aviation, maritime trade and industrial investment. An international airport could improve connectivity, while the deep seaport could provide additional capacity for cargo handling, logistics and export-oriented activities.
Nevertheless, translating these commitments into measurable economic benefits will depend on implementation, infrastructure financing, regulatory approvals and the ability to attract complementary private investment.
The two projects therefore present significant development opportunities for the state, but their long-term economic value will ultimately be determined by execution, operational capacity and the commercial activities they generate.
