Marine Transportation: AKSG, Nigerian Navy sign contract for construction of Cruise Ferry
Akwa Ibom State Government and Naval Shipyard Limited, a subsidiary of Nigerian Navy’s shipbuilding and maintenance, have signed an agreement for the construction of a 24-metre mild steel passenger/cruise ferry boat, for marine transportation in and around the State.
Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed satisfaction with the Navy-State Government collaboration for security and revamping of marine transportation in the State, describing the agreement as a good way to end the year.
He welcomed the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to the State and pledged his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Navy to further the aspirations of the ARISE Agenda.
According to him, “our intention in line with the ARISE Agenda is to expand water transportation, support maritime Security and do the best we can to explore the blue economy.
“We have plans to have a second one because we don’t want any downtime, so maybe six months down the line, we should be able to place an order for smaller ferries so that we can be sure that if one has gone for servicing, other can still be running.”
Explaining why the State Executive Council chose the Nigerian Navy for the deal, Governor 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 build its capacity while ensuring adequate security for the ferry’s operation, given its stake.
“…many others put in bids for this job but we chose the Nigerian Navy because, first, we want to encourage 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 optimally.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, commended Governor Eno on his implementationof the ARISE Agenda , affirming that some programmes captured in the agenda, especially in the area of security within the maritime environment are beginning 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 the signing of the contractual agreement by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Orman Esin on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Government while the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard Limited, Rear Admiral Fredrick Damtong signed on behalf of the Nigerian Navy.
