Plan to relocate Ibaka Deep Seaport from its natural harbour

Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria boasts the Ibaka Bay Natural Harbour, a rare coastal asset with a naturally deep draft ideal for a world-class deep seaport. This location is strategically important, as a significant portion of Nigeria's offshore oil and gas production originates from the Oron Nation, where the harbor is situated.

Maritime experts and planners have long recognized Ibaka Bay's advantages. Historical records show it was the preferred site for the Calabar Seaport in the 1970s, but the project was moved inland. The Calabar Port now faces substantial and recurring dredging costs, which many see as a consequence of deviating from sound engineering advice.

In 2012, the Federal Government approved plans for Nigeria's first deep seaport at Ibaka. A ministerial committee and project delivery team were formed, and extensive technical evaluations led to the identification of a preferred site within Ibaka Bay by January 2013. An outline business case in April 2013 estimated construction costs at approximately USD2bn, a competitive global figure attributed to the harbor's natural depth.

Funds were appropriated, and the Senate Committee on Marine Transport engaged with stakeholders. A groundbreaking ceremony took place under Governor Godswill Akpabio. However, in 2015, Governor Udom Emmanuel's administration established an implementation committee, raising concerns among stakeholders about a potential relocation of the project from its officially approved site.