The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of recycling promises on the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, alleging that the $4.6 billion project had already received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The party said the Buhari administration approved the implementation of the project’s first phase on December 16, 2020, with Bollore/Power China reportedly selected as the preferred bidder, according to its statement.
Key Highlights
- NDC accuses President Bola Tinubu’s administration of repeating an earlier promise on the Ibom Deep Sea Port.
- The party claims the $4.6 billion project received FEC approval under former President Muhammadu Buhari in December 2020.
- Bollore/Power China was reportedly named the preferred bidder for the project.
- Tinubu pledged to establish the port during his 2023 presidential campaign rally in Uyo.
- The NDC says the renewed commitment has not been matched by tangible progress.
NDC Reacts To Tinubu’s Renewed Ibom Deep Sea Port Promise
NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the party’s position known in a statement reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed pledge to construct the long-awaited port.
According to Director, Tinubu promised to establish the Ibom Deep Sea Port during his presidential campaign rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on January 30, 2023.
At the rally, the President reportedly promised the seaport alongside other development initiatives, including mechanised farming and food exports from Akwa Ibom State.
However, the NDC accused Tinubu of failing to fulfil the commitment more than three years after making the promise.
The party further alleged that the President’s latest pledge on Friday, November 6, 2026, amounted to a repetition of an earlier commitment that had yet to produce tangible results.
Party Questions Delay In Implementing Buhari-Era Approval
Director described the renewed pledge as another political assurance, questioning why the project had remained unrealised despite the approval reportedly secured under Buhari’s administration.
The NDC argued that the reported 2020 FEC approval raised questions about the progress made on the project and the reasons it had not moved into implementation.
The party’s statement also drew attention to the reported selection of Bollore/Power China as the preferred bidder for the first phase of the proposed port.
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NDC Criticises APC Over Campaign Promises
Beyond the Ibom Deep Sea Port, the NDC criticised the APC-led Federal Government over other campaign commitments, particularly its promise to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across Nigeria.
The opposition party urged Nigerians to reject the ruling party, arguing that the country needed a new political direction.
Economic Importance Of Ibom Deep Sea Port
The proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port is a major maritime infrastructure project expected to boost Akwa Ibom State’s economic potential, strengthen international trade and attract investment.
When completed, the port is expected to create employment opportunities and support commercial activities by improving maritime infrastructure and access to international markets.
However, the NDC’s claims about the project’s previous approval and implementation status have renewed attention on its history and the Federal Government’s latest commitment to its construction.
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