16 December 2015, Lagos – Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has tasked the state Technical Committee for the Realization of Ibom Deep Sea Port, TC-IDSP, and the consultants involved in the project to ensure completion of the project by 2018.
The governor spoke in Uyo at the contract signing for the Full Business Case, FBC, and the official handover of Certificate of Occupancy during the kick-off meeting with the Transaction Advisers and Master Planners for the project.
Emmanuel assured that the state government was determined to complete the project and willing to do everything necessary to assist the various groups involved in the deep seaport to bring it to reality.
He stressed the importance of maritime to the development of the country, noting that the state government was desirous of creating the right environment for developing the economy of the state and by extension, the nation.
“Recently, Nigeria has been battling with a dwindling economy which over the years thrived on crude oil as a mono- product. The fall in the price of crude oil in the international market has taken negative toll on the economy of many states including ours.
“The new wave of challenge, therefore, is for states in Nigeria and particularly leaders, who hold the people’s mandate in trust, to arise and evolve alternative ways of achieving sustainable economic growth and prosperity as well as guaranteeing survival for its teeming populace.
“The significance of the maritime sector to the Nigerian economy can be seen in the area of transportation, facilitation of trade and commerce, revenue generation and availability of finance, employment and job creation, and promotion of tourism,” Emmanuel said.
“Other areas include development of related economic activities, enhancement of industrial growth and development, institutional development, international relations and peaceful coexistence, socio-political harmony as well as defense and security.”
*Godfrey Bivbere – Vanguard
