Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing reforms and investments in the state’s power and maritime sectors to boost the economy.
Eno made the remarks on Saturday at the Victor Attah International Airport while answering questions from reporters on his return from the United Kingdom, where he accompanied President Bola Tinubu on a state visit.
The governor said the trip provided an opportunity to meet with investors, particularly in the power sector, and assured Akwa Ibom residents of positive outcomes from the discussions.
He noted that his administration had taken strategic steps to transform the power sector while working toward realizing its vision for the Ibom Deep Seaport.
“We expect something good from the interaction. It takes a lot of work, whether it is Ibom Deep Seaport or power—it takes a lot of work.
“We have made giant strides in reforming the power sector, but it takes a while. It is not a walk in the park; it is precept upon precept,” Eno said.
He expressed regret over the current national power outage and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the situation.
The governor urged residents to exercise patience regarding the Ibom Deep Seaport.
He said his administration remained focused on ensuring the project benefits the state.
“We have made our point very clear. We are engaging investors on the Ibom Deep Seaport.
“We just finished paying for the feasibility studies. It takes processes to get things done.
“I appreciate the enthusiasm. I want the seaport like yesterday. I want power like yesterday. But we must follow these processes, and I am confident that, by the grace of God, we will get there,” he said.
Eno added that progress was being made incrementally in both the seaport and power sectors.
“Things don’t happen overnight, but we have good engagements, and people are showing interest,” he said.
