By Esseh Ikora
Akwa Ibom state government has achieved 75 percent progress in processing necessary documentation towards commencement of construction works on Ibom Deep Sea Port (IDSP) project.
The state Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties , Mr Akan Okon who made the disclosure in Uyo said the Ibom Deep Sea port project has reached a very critical stage prior to the eventual commencement of infrastructural development.
According to the Commissioner,”when any project of this magnitude reaches the procurement stage,you can be sure that 70-75% of the work has been done. A lot of paper work is involved for the actual construction to take off,” he said
It would be recalled that the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo had recently while on official visit to Akwa Ibom state, pledged Federal Government’s commitment towards the timely completion of the project
Osinbajo disclosed that the federal government has made provision in Nigerian Port Authority (NPA)2017 budget for the development of the project.
Okon who is optimistic of the eventual commencement of the project, said, “I was in Abuja to participate in the Ministerial project development steering committee meeting held to approve the procurement procedure for the Ibom deep sea port.
“The meeting signaled a very critical stage in the project and had in attendance the officials of Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure Regulatory Concession Agency, the Nigerian Port Authority and the transaction advisers.”.
The Commissioner who lauded the state governor’s determination to kickstart the Ibom Deep Sea port development project, said the development of a deep sea port is a very technical project which is quite different from other projects and therefore had to follow due process to ensure it provides excellent maritime services.
He expressed the hope that when project is completed it would not only serve the people of the state and the national but entire African continent.
The project is expected to boost economic activities in the state ,create employment as will earn revenue for the federal government through huge economic activities among other neighbouring African countries due to proximity when it comes on stream.
The Ibom Deep Sea Port is owned by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Port Authority in partnership with Akwa Ibom state government and private investors.
