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Position Yourself For Takeoff Of Ibom Deep Seaport- AKSG Charges Indigenes
...Says 20 out of 22 requirements on Checklist cleared for Commencement
December 31, 2019
2 minutes read
By Ekemini Simon
The Government of Akwa Ibom State has called on the people of the State to position themselves strategically towards acquiring the necessary skills that will be needed during the construction and operation of Ibom Deep Seaport.
The State Government gave the charge through the Akwa lbom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon, during a media parley held recently at his private residence in Uyo.
The Commissioner who decried the opportunities the State missed out when Ibom Air was set up noted that when the Airline was to commence operation, the State Government had issues with having adequate number of qualified people from Akwa Ibom State to serve as pilots.
He said ” We didn’t have the required number of people, so we had to employ people from other places. Ibom Deep Seaport will commence soon. There is need for Akwa Ibom people to strategically position themselves and acquire the necessary skills that will be needed during the construction and operation of the port.”
Okon stated that government alone cannot undertake the task of positioning the people stressing that individuals, parents must take advantage of the emerging opportunities that will come with the construction and eventual operation of the port.
He added ” This is important because in every profession or carrier, there are minimum requirements and skills required. Our people must start now to get the required skills needed in this sector “.
While baring his mind on the current state of the Ibom Deep Seaport, the Commissioner revealed that 20 out of 22 requirements on checklists needed for the takeoff of the project have been achieved.
He noted that Governor Udom Emmanuel is poised on boosting the economy of the state, by ensuring that the Ibom Deep Sea Port is completed.
Okon expressed optimism that with the cooperation from the Federal Government, the project will come to fruition.
“There are about 22 checklist for Ibom Deep Sea Port. We have done 20 and we are on the 21st. Several agencies need to give approval. The development of any Deep Seaport is in the Exclusive List. We are receiving the cooperation of different agencies”, he said.
The Commissioner dismissed insinuations that the commencement of the project is stalled by the Federal Government noting that the government at the centre is equally interested in the realization of the project.
He noted ” For us to get to where we are means we have received adequate cooperation. The federal government needs this project too because they are looking at opportunity to create employment.
” I do not think any reasonable government will stop a project that is aimed at providing employment opportunities for Nigerians. It is not an Akwa Ibom project. It will provide employment for Nigerians. The Federal Government understands the advantage and benefit of having this project in Akwa Ibom State. “
The Commissioner dismissed fears of conflict in revenue management, saying the Nigerian Port Authority is saddled with the responsibility of revenue collection, to avoid such issues.
“The work is in top gear and with the cooperation of the Technical Committee, we will deliver the Ibom Deep Seaport.
“In terms of revenue, it is the Nigerian Port Authority that is saddled with the responsibility of collecting revenue. The Deep Seaport will be world, not a state project, when completed, so the issue of conflict in revenue mobilization would not occur”, he said.
December 31, 2019
2 minutes read
