Ibom Deep Seaport: Why Oron Nation Is Speaking Out By Victor Mkpofor

Setting the Record Straight:

The recent public appeal by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, regarding the Ibom Deep Seaport controversy has reignited one of the state's most significant development debates. While the Governor called for unity and understanding, many in Oron Nation believe their position has been misunderstood and misrepresented.

In a detailed response, Chief Engr. Nkpubre Nkpubre, Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Oron Nation on the Ibaka Deep Seaport, sought to clarify the issues at the heart of the controversy.

It Is Not About the Name

According to Chief Nkpubre, Oron Nation has never opposed changing the project's name from Ibaka Deep Seaport to Ibom Deep Seaport. The real concern is the relocation of the seaport from its originally approved location at Ibaka Bay to a proposed dugout seaport site in Ibeno.

He argues that this decision contradicts years of technical studies and due diligence that identified Ibaka Bay as the most suitable location.

Concerns Over the Dugout Seaport

One of the strongest objections relates to the environmental and engineering implications of constructing a dugout seaport. The proposal would require excavating approximately 50 million cubic metres of earth to create an artificial harbour.

Chief Nkpubre contends that such a massive undertaking poses serious environmental concerns and that Oron communities were never adequately consulted about its potential impact.

The Bolloré Misconception

Another point raised is the claim that Oron people frustrated the involvement of Bolloré, the French core investor.

According to the response, Oron leaders merely petitioned the investor after repeated attempts to engage the state government failed. Their objective, he says, was to ensure legitimate concerns about the relocation were addressed before investment proceeded.

What the Technical Studies Show

Chief Nkpubre references several studies that reportedly favoured Ibaka Bay, including:

• Federal Government feasibility and due diligence assessments.
• Earlier location studies conducted by Worley Parsons.
• A 2015 academic study concluding that Ibaka Bay naturally possesses excellent navigational depth and would require only minimal maintenance dredging.

He argues that these findings made Ibaka Bay one of Nigeria's most cost-effective locations for a modern deep seaport.

More Than a Seaport

Beyond the port itself, the original vision reportedly included a Mega Shipyard, a Free Trade Zone, and facilities capable of servicing Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels from across West and Central Africa.

Supporters believe this integrated maritime project could have transformed Akwa Ibom State into a regional maritime hub, creating thousands of jobs and stimulating long-term economic growth.

A Call for Transparency

Chief Nkpubre also questions the methodology used to justify relocating the project, arguing that the evaluation process lacked scientific and statistical credibility. He maintains that decisions involving projects of such national importance should be guided by transparent technical evidence rather than political considerations.

Looking Ahead

Despite his criticism, Chief Nkpubre concludes on a conciliatory note. He acknowledges Governor Umo Eno's humility and leadership qualities while expressing hope that dialogue, fairness, and objective evidence will guide future decisions.

The Ibom Deep Seaport remains one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects proposed for Akwa Ibom State. As discussions continue, many stakeholders believe that transparency, technical integrity, and inclusive engagement will be essential to achieving a solution that serves the interests of both the state and the nation.

Chief Engr. Nkpubre Nkpubre

Editor's Note: This article is a summary of the response issued by Chief Engr. Nkpubre Nkpubre regarding the Ibom Deep Seaport controversy. It reflects the views and arguments presented in his statement and is intended to provide readers with a concise overview of his position.