President Tinubu approves international status for Akwa Ibom Airport and backs Ibom Deep Seaport as Governor Umo Eno pledges two million votes for 2027
Tinubu Approves Akwa Ibom International Airport, Backs Deep Seaport
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the elevation of Akwa Ibom State’s airport to international status and pledged Federal Government support for the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, in a major boost to the state’s aviation, maritime and industrial development ambitions.
The President announced the approval on Friday during a visit to Akwa Ibom State, following a request by Governor Umo Eno, while expressing confidence in the economic potential of the proposed seaport.
The announcements came amid a political mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, with the Akwa Ibom State Government pledging to deliver two million votes for the President in the next general election.
Addressing a large crowd of supporters at a political rally, Tinubu commended Eno for his leadership and development initiatives, describing the governor’s vision for the state as deserving of Federal Government backing.
Responding to the governor’s request for international airport status, the President declared, “Now, you made a request for international airport status. I approved it”.
Tinubu also expressed support for the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, describing infrastructure investments of such scale as important to expanding economic activities, attracting investors and creating employment opportunities.
He said Akwa Ibom had the resources and economic potential to emerge as a major industrial and commercial centre, stressing the importance of developing manufacturing, transportation infrastructure and human capital.
The President assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise education, vocational training, employment generation and poverty reduction as part of its broader economic development agenda.
“I promise you a better future. I promise you development. I promise you education. I promise you skills development. I promise you jobs”, Tinubu declared.
He maintained that Nigeria’s economic transformation depended on sustained investment in productive sectors capable of generating employment, strengthening local industries and equipping young people with skills needed to compete in a changing economy.
The President also used the rally to seek support for his second-term ambition, urging residents to turn their political support into votes during the 2027 presidential election.
“I will depend on you to go out there and vote”, he told the gathering.
He specifically appealed to eligible voters who had yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to do so ahead of the elections, emphasising the importance of participation in the democratic process.
Tinubu further reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling poverty, ignorance and other socioeconomic challenges, arguing that continuity in governance would help consolidate ongoing development initiatives.
He also praised the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress for their loyalty and support, describing the ruling party as a platform for advancing infrastructure development, education, economic growth and social progress.
The President thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for their reception and assured them that the Federal Government would continue to support projects aimed at unlocking the state’s economic potential.
The proposed Ibom Deep Seaport is expected to form part of Akwa Ibom’s broader ambition to expand maritime commerce, attract industrial investment and strengthen its position as a regional economic hub. The airport approval and the President’s endorsement of the seaport proposal are significant developments for the state’s infrastructure agenda,
