By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government and Naval Shipyard Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian Navy have signed an agreement for the construction of a 24-metre mild steel passenger/cruise ferry boat, for marine transportation within and outside the State.
Speaking at a brief ceremony at Government House, Uyo yesterday, Governor Umo Eno expressed satisfaction with the collaboration for security and reinvention of marine transportation in the state, describing the agreement for marine transport infrastructure as a good way to end the year.
Eno welcomed the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla to the State, and pledged his administration’s commitment to partnering the Navy to further the ARISE Agenda.
“Our intention in line with the ARISE Agenda is to expand water transportation, support maritime security and see the best we can extract from the blue economy.
“We have plans to have a second one because we don’t want a down tie, so, maybe six months down the line, we should be able to place order for a smaller ferry, so that we can be sure that if one is for servicing, we can have others that can still run.” The Governor said.
Explaining why the State Executive Council chose the Nigerian Navy for the deal, Eno said, “besides the helpful synergy the government has enjoyed with the Navy, the deal was in line with the administration’s preference to invest in the domestic economy, and the hope that the Navy will ensure security for the ferry’s operation, given its stake.
“Many others bided for this job, but we have chosen the Nigerian Navy because, first, we want to encourage our local content, and we believe also, that the Nigerian Navy, being the manufacturer of the ferry, will provide the enabling environment for it to operate.”
In his remarks, Ogalla commended the Governor on his ARISE Agenda implementation, affirming that some programmes captured in the agenda, especially in the area of security within the maritime environment, have begun to materialize.
He described the Governor’s venture into maritime transportation as pacesetting and beneficial to both the State and the entire South South region.
Highpoint of the event, was signing of the contractual agreement by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Orman Esin, on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard Limited, Rear Admiral Fredrick Damtong on behalf of the Nigerian Navy.
