The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his renewed commitment to the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of repeatedly using the multibillion-dollar project as a campaign promise without delivering on previous commitments.
The opposition party questioned why the Federal Government was announcing another approval for the $4.6 billion project when the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari had already approved its first phase in December 2020.
Tinubu renewed the commitment on Friday, November 6, during his visit to Akwa Ibom State, where he announced approval for the establishment of the long-awaited seaport at a reception and rally held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
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The announcement followed a request by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who appealed to the President to approve the project as part of efforts to accelerate the state’s economic development.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, the NDC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, challenged the APC to explain why the project had yet to commence construction despite previous federal government commitments.
The party recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under Buhari, approved the implementation of the first phase of the proposed $4.6 billion Ibom Deep Sea Port on December 16, 2020, with Bollore/Power China identified as the preferred bidder.
According to the NDC, the approval was expected to pave the way for construction, making Tinubu’s latest announcement another commitment on a project that had remained unrealised.
The opposition party also recalled that Tinubu had promised to build the seaport during the APC’s presidential campaign rally in Uyo on January 30, 2023.
At the rally, Tinubu reportedly told supporters: “We will do mechanised farming. We will export food from Akwa Ibom. We will build your seaport.”
The NDC argued that the President’s latest announcement amounted to a repetition of that campaign promise, accusing successive APC administrations of substituting political assurances for concrete action.
Director questioned how many times the ruling party would announce approval for the same project without providing a clear account of the progress made since the earlier approval.
Describing the development as a display of what it called poor statecraft and political deceit, the party expressed doubts that the latest commitment would translate into actual construction.
“Obviously, this is another round of cheap promises that will not be kept or honoured. Just as before, so it will be now, empty promises. All talk and no action,” the statement said.
The party also compared the situation with Nigeria’s electricity challenges, arguing that residents of Akwa Ibom had continued to wait for the delivery of major infrastructure projects despite repeated government assurances.
It urged Nigerians to judge the APC based on its previous commitments rather than fresh promises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC subsequently called on voters to reject the ruling party in the coming election, insisting that the country needed a different political direction.
Meanwhile, the Ibom Deep Sea Port remains a major proposed maritime infrastructure project expected to strengthen cargo handling, boost international trade, attract investment and create employment opportunities in Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region.
Tinubu’s November 6 announcement has renewed attention on the project’s implementation, with questions now emerging over how the latest federal commitment will translate into actual construction.
