Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom says his administration is ready to collaborate with the U.S. Government and other investors to develop the Ibom Deep Seaport project.

Emmanuel, represented by Dep. Gov. Moses Ekpo, said this on Tuesday when the Chief of Political and Economic Affairs of the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria, Mr Brandon Hudspeth, visited him at the Government House, Uyo.

He said the seaport when developed would become the flagship of the shipping industry in Nigeria in view of its strategic location.

He said the facility was endowed with a natural draught and direct access to all parts of the world, including the U.S.

According to the governor, the U.S. has enjoyed a very robust bilateral relationship with Nigeria since the nation’s independence.

He said that huge investment opportunities abound in the state for American investors to harness.

“The peaceful ambience which the state offers is the best in Nigeria for investors.

“The U.S. should take advantage of the enormous business opportunities, especially in the Ibom deep seaport project, which has received approval from the Federal Government.

“ExxonMobil as an American company is already enjoying the state’s favourable ambience,” Emmanuel said.

He urged the consulate to encourage ExxonMobil to relocate its headquarters to the state as a way of encouraging other international oil companies.

He said that the state government had invested heavily in infrastructure that was compliant with global standard, such as the 21-storey intelligent building for International Olympic Committee.

The governor further said that his administration was people-oriented with strategic programmes designed to promote the wellbeing of the citizenry.

He commended the team for commencing its tour of the Niger Delta region with a visit to the state and wished them success during their assignment.

Earlier, Hudspeth said that he was in the state as part of his tour of the Niger Delta states.

He described the visit as a demonstration of the his country’s interest to invest in the region.

He said that the visit was intended to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and the states in the region.

He condoled with the state on the demise of its former military governor, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd.). (NAN)