The First Phase of Ibom Deep Seaport Will Create 300,000 Jobs  – Akan Okon

…applauds FG for granting approval of the port

Anietie Essia, Uyo

The Honourable Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon has stated that the first phase of Ibom Deep Seaport will create not fewer than 300,000 jobs for the teeming youths in Akwa Ibom State as part of modalities set by the State Government to eradicate the alarming rate of unemployment in the state.

Mr. Akon Okon made this known on Planet FM during the Thursday’s edition of the programme Akwa Ibom Mandate. While acknowledging the gigantic strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel towards the realization of the project, Mr. Okon thanked and appreciated His Excellency President Mohammadu Buhari, Vice President, Minister of Transportation, The Director General of ICRC, The Managing Director of NPA and other Federal Government Agencies involved in Port operations as well as sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State who have  in one way or the other contributed positively in making the project a success.

Recall, on Wednesday 16th December, 2020 during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Federal Government granted final approval for the take off of Ibom Deep Seaport Project in Akwa Ibom State.

Mr. Okon while responding to questions during the programme expressed dissatisfaction and displeasure over the alarming rate of unemployment in Nigeria and assured Akwa Ibom people and Nigeria in general that following the approval of the long anticipated IDSP by the Federal Government, it will create 300,000 jobs for the people which is part of the programmes and policies of the Akwa Ibom State Government to alleviate poverty and create job opportunities for her citizens.

He stated that Governor Udom Emmanuel upon assumption of office in 2015 with a five point agenda complementing same in 2019 with the completion agenda is very passionate about the welfare of her people which is the basic principle any people oriented government can adopt to slavge her people from some of the looming challenges facing the country.

“If you look at it critically, The major problem facing the country is unemployment, Ibom Deep Seaport together with Ibom Industrial City will employ not fewer than 300,000 personnels in its first phase .I like to thank His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel for his commitment, contributions towards the actualization of the long anticipated IDSP.

“Without mincing words together, Akwa Ibom State is industrialized because this project is a project that when operational will solve and arrest critical problems in the state most especially the issue of unemployment and then stimulate our state economy accordingly.

“On assumption in office in 2015, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel knew that the only way IDSP could be realized is by bringing in people from the private sector and immediately constituted the technical committee for the Seaport under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Mfon Usoro. The committee has done an excellent job and with the support of the Governor, we now have the approval of the Federal Government for the project.

“I want to Thank and appreciate His Excellency President Mohammadu Buhari, Vice President, Minister of Transportation, The Director General of ICRC, The Managing Director of NPA and other Federal Government Agencies that’s involved in Port operations. They have shown that Nigeria is a country that when good projects with immense benefits for the country is presented, approval will be given for the best interest of the country because the port will increase the Revenues of both the Federal Government and Akwa Ibom State”. He stated.

He added that the Federal Government had approved the total sum of 4.6 billion dollars which 2.016 billion dollars is for the first phase of the port. He pointed out that the port will be build on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with  two internationally recognized French and Chinese company; BOLLORE/ POWER CHINA CONSULTIUM for the ease management of the Seaport.

“The total cost of construction of the Ibom Deep Seaport is 4.6 billion dollars but the first phase of it is 2.016 billion dollars which was approved yesterday by the Federal Government which the structure of Ibom Deep Seaport is billed for 60/40%, i.e, 60% for the private sector and 40% will go to the public sector”. He said.

Mr. Okon however reiterated the state government commitment to train indigenes of the state in Maritime and oil and gas related skills to place in a postion of advantage for employment.

“Recently, Government has set up modalities for people to be trained on various skills that’s related to the Maritime sector and also in the oil and gas industry. Our children should be encouraged to embark on relevant courses which will give them advantage in the Maritime sector. 

“Akwa Ibom youths should position themselves to advantage of the emerging opportunities . Therefore, there is need for us to strategically positions ourselves, update ourselves with the relevant skills because every industry has it own basic skills of requirement”.