SATURDAY March 15, 2025 |TheNewsDESK
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the potential of the blue economy and advancing maritime development in the state.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong, made this known when he received members of the Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals on a courtesy visit to his office on Thursday, March 13, TheSUN reports.
Ememobong highlighted the recent commissioning of the Shore Protection Project and shoreline development in Oron as a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to maritime growth. He emphasized that these initiatives would enhance maritime transport and recreation in the region.
Describing the Ibom Deep Seaport as a cornerstone for future development, the commissioner stressed the importance of collaboration between the ministry and maritime oil and gas professionals. He assured them of the state government’s willingness to partner with industry experts to drive growth and achieve long-term objectives in the maritime sector.
“The industrial city envisioned by the governor aims to build indigenous capacity and ensure local participation in its development,” Ememobong stated. “This is where the local content law comes into play, requiring that a certain percentage of the project’s workforce, services, and materials be sourced locally.”
He explained that for this law to be effectively implemented, local individuals and businesses must possess the necessary capacity. “His Excellency has prioritized capacity procurement to ensure that skills and resources are available before project execution begins,” he added.
Ememobong also commended the technical committee, led by Mrs. Mfon Usoro, for its role in advancing the Ibom Deep Seaport project, noting that the committee is ready to collaborate with key stakeholders to bring the project to fruition.
Maritime Experts Pledge Support
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Secretary General of Port State Control for the West and Central African Region, Captain Sunday Umoren, expressed enthusiasm for supporting the state’s maritime development. He noted that as indigenes with expertise in various maritime sectors, their goal is to contribute to human capacity building, particularly in preparation for the Ibom Deep Seaport.
“We are here to offer our expertise and seek your support in planning,” Umoren said. “The deep seaport is just one component, but without proper positioning, we may end up having a seaport in Akwa Ibom without maximizing its benefits.”
The delegation included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project and Director of Project, Ibom Deep Seaport, Engr. Akaninyene Ekong; former District Surveyor at NIMASA, Marine Surveyor Engr. Eyo James; and Project Lead at Shell UK, Prof. Maurice Asuquo of John Moores University, UK.
Also present were the Chief Engineer of Jad Construction Limited, Warri, Engr. Iniobong Ebong, and Marine Pilot at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Bonny/Port Harcourt Pilotage District, Nkopuyo Abraham.
