By Milcah Tanimu
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Navy to advance the development of marine transportation within the region.
In a statement to the press, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Orman Esin, shared that this partnership aims to establish an alternative mode of transportation to roads while also ensuring the security of the state’s waterways.
Esin elaborated that the Nigerian Navy has already submitted plans for the construction of ferries and cargo boats, a project anticipated to be completed in approximately six months.
“We are actively working with the Navy to design both cruise and transportation vessels, including ferries that will connect Oron to Calabar. The design phase is already underway. To promote local development, we intend for the Navy to construct the vessels, as they will also be responsible for providing internal security,” said Esin.
He further revealed that discussions with Navy officials, including the Admiral in charge of dock and marine operations, have been fruitful, and the project is expected to commence as soon as the design is approved by the State’s leadership.
While responding to inquiries regarding the persisting issue of sea pirate attacks on fishermen, the Commissioner assured that the Ministry of Internal Security is actively addressing the matter.
Esin also addressed queries about the state government’s stance on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as a means to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. He emphasized that though many stakeholders have expressed interest in introducing CNG buses to the state, the foundational element is the establishment of a CNG plant.
“The essence of CNG buses lies in having a CNG plant. The question is, where do we source the gas? As of now, we don’t have a CNG plant in Akwa Ibom State. Before discussing manufacturing and distribution, we need to set up the plant,” Esin emphasized.
He acknowledged that building the plant is a long-term endeavor that requires careful planning, but if the state opts for CNG as a solution, the process must begin immediately. He highlighted the mid-term and long-term nature of this approach, underscoring the importance of initiating the process sooner rather than later.
