*IBAKA DEEP SEAPORT: ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES*

The attempt to relocate the Ibaka Deep Seaport has shown that actions have consequences. Akwa Ibom State government abandoned the existing Ibaka (Oil & Gas) Free Zone and promoted Ikot Abasi Free Zone. The Ikot Abasi Free Zone is intended to be part of the Ibom Industrial City which includes the Seaport. The reason for its approval is because it was linked to the Seaport whose OBC is already approved by FEC.

Now the seaport has suffered some setbacks and may not be commenced under Gov Udom. This means Ikot Abasi Free Zone is affected by that setback. It is easy to see why the Governor is unsettled by Oro's petition which alerted the core investors.

Their actions in taking Ibaka seaport to a different location and replacing Ibaka FZ with Ikot Abasi FZ in the IIC have resulted to unintended consequences. Investors in the Ikot Abasi FZ are now affected. Even if the government finds it way out of the current stalemate and commences the Seaport, Ikot FZ would still be adversely affected because a court action is imminent to restrain Ibaka FZ from being replaced with Ikot Abasi FZ in the IIC.

At the end everyone loses out. The government which tried to change the goal post loses. The unsuspecting Investors lose. Potential employees lose. The entire people of Akwa Ibom state lose. Nigeria as a country loses.

*All these losses because someone thinks Oro should not be developed. When you try to stop others progressing, you are also stopping yourself from making progress.*

Alexander Asuquo