Ahead of the realization of its deep seaport project, the Akwa Ibom State Government has revealed that it is going ahead to commence massive construction of oil tank farms and jetties along the coastal areas of the state in order to quickly open up the state to maritime activities.
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel stated this at the recent election of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, which held in Uyo. The governor who was represented by his Honorary Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Unyime Usoro said that the jetties and tank farms are being carried out in partnership with some private entrepreneurs.
He reiterated that the state is fully committed to ensuring that the Ibom deep seaport comes on stream. The proposed deep sea port was reportedly relocated to Ibeno Local Government Area in 2014, while the name was changed from Ibaka to Ibom deep sea port.
Comrade Usoro who is also former state Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) assured that when fully developed, the seaport would provide jobs for citizens of the state and Nigerians in general. “When fully developed, the seaport with its natural depth which requires no dredging would provide thousands of employment opportunities to your members across the country.
“You are also aware of my government’s partnership with some private entrepreneurs to construct jetties and tank farms along the coastal areas of the state.
“Akwa Ibom State is the longest coastal line in the country and it supposed to be the natural home of maritime business but regrettably, this is not the case” he said.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that the Ibom deep seaport project which was conceptualized more than nine years ago has suffered major setbacks and subsequent abandonment. Investigations revealed that the only formal visible commitment so far recorded in the last nine years is the perimeter survey plan of the area designated for the project.
Findings also showed that over five different committees had worked on the port project at various times.
The multi-billion Naira project, at inception had over 14,000 hectares of land earmarked for the project but a large expanse of the land has remained fallow ever since then.
Discussion about this post