“Ibaka Was The Right Choice”: Engr. Nkpubre Questions Relocation Of Akwa Ibom Deep Seaport Project

By EMEM BENSON

Engr. Nkpubre Okon Nkpubre Speaks on the Ibaka Deep Seaport Controversy

ENGR. Nkpubre Okon Nkpubre is a former Managing Director of Nigerdock Plc and former Director of Engineering at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). He currently serves as Managing Consultant of Green Seas International Nigeria Limited and is Chairman of the Oron Nation Technical Committee on the Ibaka Deep Seaport.

In this interview, the maritime engineer discusses the controversy surrounding the proposed Ibaka Deep Seaport. He argues that the original location at Ibaka Natural Harbour should not have been abandoned in favour of the proposed site in Ibeno Local Government Area. Throughout the interview, he presents his views on the technical, economic and political issues surrounding the project.

Question:

The deep seaport that was originally sited at Ibaka in Oron land has generated considerable controversy. What, in your view, are the major issues?

Engr. Nkpubre:

Ordinarily, there should be no controversy if established technical recommendations were followed.

Ibaka Bay has long been recognised as a natural harbour with a natural draft exceeding 11 metres. In my professional opinion, it remains the most suitable location for a deep seaport.

However, I believe the Akwa Ibom State Government has decided to abandon this natural harbour and instead construct what amounts to an artificial or dugout port elsewhere. That decision is what has generated the current controversy.

Originally, the Ibaka Deep Seaport was conceived as Nigeria’s first deep seaport to be developed under a Public-Private Partnership involving the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State Government and a private core investor, with equity participation of 20:20:60.

The Federal Government established a Ministerial Project Delivery Team that conducted extensive due diligence and engaged consultants. After detailed studies, the preferred location selected was near Ibaka Bay and close to Tom Shot Island.

The Due Diligence Report was submitted in January 2013, while the Outline Business Case followed in July 2013.

At that time, Governor Godswill Akpabio publicly expressed optimism that the project would be completed before the end of his administration.

Unfortunately, according to information available to us, political considerations later altered the direction of the project.

We were informed that the Federal Government eventually relinquished its equity participation and that the project would instead proceed at another location in Ibeno.

The Oron people strongly oppose this relocation because they believe the original location remains technically and economically superior.

Question:

The Federal Government has approved the commencement of the project. Do you believe the original location can still be restored?

Engr. Nkpubre:

Yes.

Many people in Oron believe the relocation can still be reversed if what they describe as inaccuracies surrounding the relocation process are properly examined.

Why abandon an existing natural harbour and spend enormous sums excavating an entirely new artificial basin?

One must also ask where the millions of cubic metres of excavated materials would eventually be disposed of.

In our view, projects of this magnitude should be based entirely on objective engineering considerations rather than political preferences.

Our position remains that investors generally avoid projects surrounded by prolonged controversy.

We therefore intend to continue engaging relevant stakeholders and presenting our objections.

Initially, we were informed that the relocation became necessary because of oil pipelines around Ibaka Bay.

When that explanation was challenged, another assessment reportedly emerged supporting a different location.

From my engineering perspective, I do not consider that assessment convincing.

If necessary, legal processes will be explored to examine the validity of the relocation.

Approvals can always be reconsidered where credible evidence exists that important facts were overlooked.

Question:

Why do you think there is resistance to locating the port in Oron?

Engr. Nkpubre:

Akwa Ibom consists primarily of three ethnic groups—Ibibio, Annang and Oron.

Historically, Oron has made significant contributions to commerce, education and public administration.

Yet many within Oron believe the area has experienced political marginalisation since the creation of Akwa Ibom State.

It is also widely argued that substantial oil production comes from Oron land and adjoining waters, yet many residents believe they have not received proportional recognition.

These long-standing grievances have fuelled debates within sections of the community.

Some individuals have even proposed creating an Atlantic State with neighbouring Efik communities.

However, I do not believe that reflects the position of the majority of Oron people.

Rather, I see it as an expression of accumulated frustration.

If concerns about future political developments influenced the relocation decision, then those issues should have been openly discussed instead of relying on what many perceive as technical justifications.

The greatest concern is that abandoning Ibaka Natural Harbour could permanently deny Nigeria the opportunity to fully utilise one of its best natural maritime assets.

Question:

Some argue that government fears future political uncertainty involving Oron. Do you think such concerns are justified?

Engr. Nkpubre:

I do not.

Investment decisions should always follow economic logic.

Dangote built his refinery in Lekki because it was considered technically suitable, not because of state origin.

Even if political boundaries were to change in future, ownership and operational structures of the seaport would remain governed by existing agreements.

The Federal Government initially demonstrated considerable commitment to the Ibaka project.

The Ministerial Steering Committee, SWOT analyses and due diligence all recognised Ibaka’s natural harbour as one of the project’s greatest strengths.

Therefore, I remain convinced that Ibaka remains the most appropriate location.

Question:

Could these disagreements delay implementation and affect the project’s viability?

Engr. Nkpubre:

Unfortunately, yes.

Infrastructure of this scale should never become subject to ethnic politics.

Deep seaport locations are determined by objective engineering, navigation and economic criteria.

The alternative location was previously assessed and not selected.

From available technical information, it presents greater navigation challenges because of offshore infrastructure and wave conditions.

Constructing a dugout port there would require additional breakwaters and extensive excavation.

Those engineering requirements inevitably increase both project costs and implementation time.

Nigeria has experienced similar situations before where technically preferred locations were altered for non-technical reasons.

Such decisions have often produced disappointing outcomes.

Question:

What are your views on the financial implications of constructing a dugout port?

Engr. Nkpubre:

The financial implications would almost certainly be much higher.

We are discussing excavation approaching one square kilometre to significant depth.

That alone would generate tens of millions of cubic metres of excavated materials.

Managing such excavation would involve substantial engineering costs.

Earlier comparative studies already indicated that Ibaka offered lower construction costs.

Once excavation expenses are added, the financial difference becomes even more significant.

Question:

The Federal Government has withdrawn its equity participation. If Akwa Ibom State and the private investor proceed, what happens?

Engr. Nkpubre:

We sincerely hope reconsideration still occurs.

A rational investor generally seeks the option that offers lower construction costs and better long-term efficiency.

If the project proceeds despite these concerns, many people may continue questioning the motivations behind the relocation.

There is also concern that prolonged disagreement could create future operational challenges.

No major infrastructure project benefits from unresolved public disputes.

Question:

What, then, is the way forward?

Engr. Nkpubre:

Oron Nation has already submitted petitions endorsed by traditional rulers and community leaders both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

These petitions have been forwarded to relevant authorities.

Stakeholder engagement continues.

Legal options are also being explored.

Ultimately, we believe the most practical solution is to restore the Ibaka Deep Seaport to its originally recommended location.

That remains our position.