Ibom Deep Seaport: AKHA Moves To Raise Skilled Manpower In Maritime Sector

 

By Asuquo Edem 

In it's avowed desire to position Akwa Ibom nay it's Indigenes benefit maximally from the the actualization of the Ibom Deep Seaport, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a motion tasking the State Government to initiate programs for the training of skilled manpower in the maritime sector.

This was contained in a motion presented before the House by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Hon. Ukpong Akpabio during Plenary today Thursday.

Hon. Akpabio in a Motion titled "Ibom Deep Seaport: Need For Anticipatory Long-term Investment In The Education And Training Of Indigenous Manpower In The Maritime Sector" while informing the House that Akwa Ibom State is endowed with huge maritime potentials with its 129 km Atlantic Coastline being the longest in the country and Gulf of Guinea stated that maritime potentials of the State hold huge economic opportunities in areas of commercial shipping and fishing operations as well as hydro-electricity generation.

While emphasizing the need for the State to actualise the all important project rising from the recent visit by the State Governor on President Bola Tinibu, the Lawmaker who heads the Rules, Business and Ethics Committee of the House noted that Ibom Deep Seaport from commencement to completion will attract unparalleled commercial and employment opportunities to the State added to the fact that the proposed maritime corridor in Oron by the Governor will include the Shore protection project, construction of jetties, ferry terminal, warehouse development, industrial cold room and recreational facilities to help those doing business around the maritime ecosystem.

While commending the Governor for his overall investment in the maritime sector of the State, the lawmaker called on the House to mandate the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport to initiate and sustain a programme for the education, training and re-training of indigenous highly skilled manpower in the maritime sector while also submitting a quarterly report to the House through the House Committee on Special Projects, monitoring and implementation. 

Lawmakers including member representing Itu, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, member representing Oron/Udunguko, Hon. Kenim Onofiok, member representing Ibesikpo Asutan, Hon. Ubong Attah and that of Etinan, Hon. Uduak Ekpoufot while speaking in favor of the motion noted the need to raise highly skilled manpower positioned ready to reap the benefits of the project.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong who presided over Plenary directed the Clerk Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok to communicate the resolutions to the Executive for implementation.

The House was adjourned to reconvene on the 13th of March, 2025.