Sunday May 18, 2025 |
Maritime experts and industry stakeholders have expressed confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to actualising the Ibom Deep Seaport and the broader Ibom Industrial City projects in Akwa Ibom State.
They made this known over the weekend during a maritime trade and logistics sensitisation workshop held in Uyo. The event, themed “Harnessing the Economic Potentials of Blue Economy Value Chain in Akwa Ibom State for Productivity and Sustainable Growth,” brought together resource persons, industry leaders, and participants from across the maritime value chain.
The stakeholders praised the energy and focus Governor Eno has brought to the projects, describing them as key drivers for Akwa Ibom’s socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at the workshop, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong, stressed the importance of preparing Akwa Ibom indigenes to take active roles in the emerging maritime economy.
“Currently, Lagos and Rivers States dominate the maritime sector due to their operational seaports. With Governor Umo Eno’s unwavering commitment, Akwa Ibom is ready to join this league through the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City,” Ememobong said.
He emphasised that as these strategic projects progress, the state must build a talent pipeline of skilled professionals to fill opportunities that will emerge from the seaport and the industrial ecosystem.
“This sensitisation workshop is designed to equip participants with a better understanding of the maritime and blue economy, highlight its profitability and long-term potential, and encourage locals to position themselves for success in this sector,” he added.
Participants commended the state government’s foresight and pledged their support for initiatives that will prepare the workforce and attract investments to the region’s maritime economy.
“Success only happens when opportunity meets with preparation. Opportunities are always around, but only the prepared minds are those who see the opportunity when it happens; that is why the seminar is organised.
“Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City will bring opportunities; we want our people to be prepared so that when this administration actualises these projects, our people can be at the forefront of reaping benefits.”
Speaking on maritime logistics, the President of Brightflow Conglomerate, Dr. (Mrs.) Aniefiok Iton noted that the maritime sector held immense potential and that if harnessed properly, its impact could surpass that of oil exploration.
She added that the maritime industry is a vital component of global trade, in which shipping plays a critical role in the movement of people, commodities, cargo, materials, goods, and services across international borders.
“Harnessing the economic potential in the maritime industry involves leveraging its diverse facets, including blue economy initiatives, infrastructure development and sustainable practices.
“This includes maximising the benefits of maritime transport, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and renewable energy. Countries, regions and communities can unlock substantial economic potential through leveraging this sector”, she said.
On his part, the Rector, Marine and Oceans Academy, Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Ekwere, stressed that “There is a need for skills acquisition not just onshore but in the waterways.
“There is no greater time to look into this than now that the Ibom Deep Seaport is about to emerge for West Africa. Whatever anybody can do, we can also do, and we should be very interested in skills acquisition to function once the Ibom Deep Seaport is built.”
