Akwa Ibom Repositions For Marine Economy’s Gains, Procures Vessel

Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has emphasised the blue economy’s role in generating revenue beyond crude oil, with plans to invest in the maritime sector.

The governor assured residents of investments to develop marine transportation for the state. He noted progress in the sector, including a 64-seat passenger and cargo ferry under construction by the Nigerian Navy at the Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The state delivery adviser on the project, Hon Orman Esin, accompanied by the commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd), the senior special assistant to the governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, during an unscheduled visit to the shipyard in Port Harcourt, expressed satisfaction with the assurances from the Nigerian Navy that the project awarded by Governor Eno, which was at 80 per cent completion, would be ready in June.

Other members of the delegation included the Special Assistant to the Governor on Multimedia and Web Management, Engr. Solomon Eyo, and the Director of Marine Services in the State Ministry of Transport, Mr Ekerete Edo.

The visit was part of a coordinated technical and administrative oversight aimed at ensuring the timely delivery and operational readiness of the vessel, in line with Governor Eno’s promise to reinstate marine transportation and boost the state’s blue economy.

During the inspection, the Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral Ikenna Ubani, conducted the team round and confirmed that the necessary funding has been secured to fast-track completion, expressing confidence that the ferry will be ready for a test run in June.

He said all the major installations on the vessel have been fixed, and only minor finishing touches are currently being carried out.

He noted that before the end of June, the vessel will undergo final checks before sailing down to Akwa Ibom state.

Technical briefings at the shipyard indicated significant progress on key components of the ferry.

These include the installation of zinc anodes, reinforcement of the car deck to accommodate vehicular load, and correction of structural welds.

Ongoing works such as the construction of the loading ramp, the bridge control console, electrical wiring, navigation and communication systems, installation of solar facilities, as well as plumbing and ventilation installations are all progressing in line with projected timelines.

The team also reviewed integration plans between the ferry and the Oron jetty infrastructure under development in the state, to ensure seamless operational deployment upon delivery.

Beyond infrastructure, the visit highlighted the project’s human capacity components, with trained personnel already being prepared to manage operations.

One of the 20 beneficiaries of the state’s marine training initiative, Aniebiet Brendan, an indigene of Ekpene Ukpa in Etinan LGA, emphasised the transparent selection process that saw him and 19 others employed by the Government to be trained in Port Harcourt.

Brendan said he was invited for interview along with 200 others who had applied for the opportunity through the state’s Arise Portal, and thanked Governor Umo Eno for the opportunity to live his dream as a marine engineer.

The ferry, expected to operate from the Oron Marine Terminal, represents a strategic investment in maritime transport, boosting economic and tourism activities, and strengthening the coastal transport ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State.

The ferry, which can carry up to 64 passengers, can also carry 7 cars.

A second ferry, constructed at the instance of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, by Hydro Marine Boat Services Limited in Lagos, is also expected to be completed soon for use in the Oron Marine Terminal.