“Unless Oron is developed, Akwa Ibom will remain undeveloped”, Esang Nsa Bassey
Akwa Ibom State, a littoral region and powerhouse of the Niger Delta, boasts of vast economic potentialities, particularly in the maritime sector. With its strategic coastal location, the state is endowed with immense maritime resources, including ports, shipping lanes, and abundant natural resources. This unique geography positions Akwa Ibom as a hub for maritime trade, commerce, and economic growth. This offers unparalleled opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable development. This piece aims at exposing readers to the efforts being made by the Pastor Umo Eno led administration to explore the vast potential of Oro Nation’s maritime sector and ensure appropriate investment for optimum economic benefits.
First, it is an established fact that Oro Nation is a treasure trove of economic potential, boasting significant reserves of crude oil, silica sand, and rich marine resources, making it a crucial contributor to Nigeria’s energy sector and a potential hub for maritime trade and commerce. With the ongoing construction of the Oron Marine Terminal Project under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, the region is poised to experience a revolutionary economic transformation, unlocking new opportunities for growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. The President-General of Oron Union, Sir Esang Nsa Bassey, recently stated that a conscious drive towards developing Oro Nation would be a plus to the state. He said, “Unless Oron is developed, Akwa Ibom will remain undeveloped.” This underscores the imperative of investing in this economically vital region to unlock its full potential and drive statewide prosperity.
Of course, Umo Eno is spearheading a transformative initiative to actualize the Ibom Deep Seaport project, a strategic endeavour poised to catapult Akwa Ibom State into a maritime hub of global significance. Through collaborative efforts with relevant government agencies and investors, the governor is also laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Ibom Solutions Hub project at the Ibaka Industrial Free Trade Zone. This is a multifaceted industrial complex that promises to drive economic growth and development. Concurrently, contracts have been awarded and work ongoing for the construction of the Oron Marine Jetty and Proposed Ferry, which will further enhance the state’s maritime infrastructure. To ensure the security and sustainability of these projects, the administration is implementing deliberate security policies to safeguard the area against potential threats, including pirate and militant activities, thereby creating a stable and conducive environment for investment and economic prosperity. These are the focal areas for this discourse.
Upon assuming office, Gov Eno, channeled his energy to the area by clearly articulating his vision to the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport. Initially led by Dr Bassey Okon and then by Comrade Ini Ememobong, the team built on the foundation laid by previous administrations, where the full outline business case (OBC) had been approved by the federal government. Also, all necessary government regulations and documentations had been completed. The last administration had also undertaken site-specific studies, including hydrographic and bathymetric surveys. The current administration then analysed the data collected from these surveys, completing wave modeling and analysis over a period of about two months. The Umo Eno led administration has now finalised the feasibility study reports, which are currently under review.
With the feasibility study reports nearing completion, the administration is poised to move forward with the front-end engineering design, a critical step that will establish the expected cost of the project. This will enable the state to begin seeking partners and investors, a process that has already garnered significant interest, with over 20 expression of interest letters signed from consortiums, port operators, and other stakeholders eager to participate in the project. The governor’s commitment to the project has been instrumental, leveraging his leadership position to promote the project and attract investors. Furthermore, the administration has invested in critical areas, including the engagement of consultants to support the project’s development.
In addition to the technical and financial aspects of the project, the administration has also prioritised capacity building and sensitization of the local population. A seminar was recently held to educate residents of the state about the maritime trade and logistics industry, highlighting the potential benefits and opportunities arising from the seaport. This will be followed by detailed training programmes focused on logistics handling, maritime trade, customs licensing, port security, and safety. By investing in the development of its human capital, the administration aims to empower Akwa Ibom citizens to seize opportunities arising from the seaport and participate meaningfully in the state’s economic growth.
Again, the Ibom Solution Hub project is a game-changing, flagship marine-based investment designed to boost Akwa Ibom’s economy through a fully integrated deep-water logistics shore. The project is to be sited on a 40-square kilometre space in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area. This project will offer offshore construction support to West and Central African regions. The partnership is between NNPC Limited, Solutions Hub Limited, and the Akwa Ibom State Government, with ownership stakes at 30%, 50%, and 20% respectively. This world-class facility promises to be a catalyst for development, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity in the region. By leveraging this logistics hub, Akwa Ibom State aims to position itself as a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, while also attracting investors and fostering economic ties.
On November 11, 2023, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State met with the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Solutions Hub Limited to discuss the establishment of an onshore logistics base for marine support in the state. The governor assured that his administration would expedite action to ensure the speedy and smooth commencement of the project, which is expected to create jobs and boost the state’s economy. The governor commended the team for investing in Akwa Ibom State, highlighting the state’s peacefulness and security as attractive features for investors.
The project, made up of a conglomerate of seven oil and gas and maritime based services companies, is set to take off soon. Findings revealed that government has concluded plans to pay compensation to the host communities including Effiat, Ibaka, Unyenghe and Enwang. Already, preliminary studies are currently being undertaken by the Geomarine Systems Limited. An official told newsmen recently that after the study phase, relevant data generated therefrom shall be used to harness the engineering process that shall further bring the project to fruition.
Currently, construction work is ongoing at the Oron Marine Terminal, Shoreline Protection and Jetty being funded by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The project, awarded by the Ministry of Works and Fire Service in 2024, and being handled by JMK Construction Limited, appears massive, as its various components stand blazing in form and in quality. Speaking with journalists recently, the JMK Project Manager, Engr Ime Ikono, said the project has its components as the terminal building, the shoreline protection, the jetty, the warehouse, the coolroom for rice and seafood storage, internal road construction, among others.
He said, “There is also a floating bar. You know it is not everyone who would be coming here to travel. Others would also be here for relaxation purposes. That will be another beautiful spot that will attract a lot of people to this place. We will also have a joint tax force (JTF) office. That is particularly meant to ensure that the place is fully secured. We are constructing the cargo ship somewhere in Port Harcourt. We have another one that is also under construction for movement of vehicles. It is a double-deck ship that will take about 20 vehicles and also convey human passengers. There is provision for a wide public park that can accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles at the same time. We are going to asphalt the whole area.
“The only challenge we are having right now is the delay in payment of compensation. If that is done, I will capture the whole of that site, bring down that fence (pointing to a direction), extend it immediately, remove the kiosk and all the unsuitable, and then start to fill to commence the road network. I don’t want to talk about the weather, because we are used to it. We work whenever the weather gives us a little bit of respite. The project will have serious economic benefits for Oro People in particular and Akwa Ibom in general. It will also open tourism routes for the area”, he concluded.
Meanwhile, the state government has launched 14 patrol gunboats to boost maritime security along its 129km coastline, curbing criminal activities and supporting the blue economy, particularly in the Oron, Ibeno, Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi and other regions. This initiative, praised by Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, will protect the state’s maritime investments and interests.
In a related development, Governor Umo Eno, last month, pledged to support the Nigerian Army’s project interventions at Ibagwa Barracks, aiming to improve personnel accommodations and boost security. He also requested an army operations outpost in Oron to enhance maritime security, crucial for the state’s blue economy investments and multimillion dollar projects in the region.
In conclusion, it is important to note that the strategic location of Oron Nation along the coast offers immense potential for maritime trade and commerce. With Oron being a major oil-producing community in Nigeria, the maritime infrastructure development will likely enhance the transportation of goods and people, fostering economic growth and development. The presence of natural resources such as silica sand, salt, limestone, uranium, and manganese in Oron further underscores the potential for economic benefits. Already, the vast resources currently being drawn from its waters, such as fishes, crayfish, prawn pand other seafood, are causing economic boom. These are not only being enjoyed in the state, the daily traffic on the Oron road and multiple police checkpoints says it all. Ultimately, the maritime sector can leverage the existing Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the Oron Museum to develop tourism and provide skilled workforce for the industry.
Joseph Atainyang is a journalist and public affairs commentator.
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