President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State following a request by Governor Umo Eno, who pledged two million votes for the President’s re-election in 2027.

Tinubu announced the approval on Friday during a reception and rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The President, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, said development must promote inclusive growth, create economic value and improve the lives of the people.

“I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port,” Tinubu said.

After repeating the request, the President asked the crowd, “Will you vote?”

He subsequently declared, “Okay, it’s approved.”

The announcement followed a pledge by Eno that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if the Federal Government approved the seaport project.

“Give us Ibom Deep Seaport, we will deliver two million votes. This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” the governor said.

Eno described the project as the most important economic demand of the people, arguing that it would transform the state’s maritime and industrial sectors while creating employment opportunities.

He said Akwa Ibom residents had remained loyal to Tinubu since 2023 and were asking him to fulfil his campaign promise to establish the facility.

During his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium, Tinubu had promised to build the deep seaport, citing the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as an example of what he hoped to achieve in Akwa Ibom.

The Ibom Deep Seaport project, initially conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, has remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns.

Eno said the facility would serve as a major transhipment hub, create thousands of jobs and open Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment.

The governor also said the state had aligned with the Federal Government by joining the All Progressives Congress to attract greater federal presence and development.

He assured Tinubu of the state’s support for his re-election bid, describing the proposed seaport as a major dividend the people expected from the President’s administration.