Ibom Deep Seaport to create 300,000 jobs for youths

Helen Omeghara | ConsumerConnect

When the maritime facility is fully operational, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, Chairperson of Ibom Deep Seaport, has said that the port will provide more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs to Nigerian youths.

Reports state that Mrs. Usoro spoke at the palace of Effiong Achanga, the paramount ruler of Ibeno, when government delegation led by Mr. Akan Okon, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, paid a courtesy call on the monarch.

The Chairperson explained that the project was entirely a Nigerian multi-billion Dollar business which requires the host communities’ full knowledge of the project technical structure.

“We are letting you know what is going on because you are partners. Ibeno happens to be the best position in Nigeria for the location of deep seaport.

“It is a Federal Government project and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is the landlord.

“Ibom Industrial City is the second project, and we are developing the project side by side.

“The industrial city is owned by the state government; so if you cannot get something from the port, you can get from the city,” the former NIMASA boss said.

While welcoming his guest, Achanga emphasised the change of name of Ibom Deep Seaport to Ibeno Deep Seaport to reflect its location as obtained in other projects located in other communities.

The monarch stressed that things should be done properly in the areas of Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A), main operational MOU, resettlement plan, adequate/meaningful compensation(s), good community relationship, implementation of local content laws and other related laws in maritime issues.

“With all modesty, do all you can to change the name to Ibeno Deep Seaport, Akwa Ibom State.”

The recent trend in generalisation of certain project’s location for Ibom in certain parts of the state is being unfair. My honourable commissioner, the truth is always bitter.

“I am not comfortable with the name Ibom Deep Seaport.

“The most appropriate, correct and proper name should be Ibeno Deep Seaport to reflect its actual location and in honour of Ibeno people and community whose coastal land and marine resources have contributed greatly to the revenue of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria for many years now.

“Presently, we have names like “Kings’ Flour Mills Limited, Okat, in Onna, and St. Gabriel’s Coconut Refinery, in Mkpat Enin, Electric Metering Factory, in Onna, Syringe Manufacturing Company, in Onna, etc,” he said.

The Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Sea Port said that the project is a significant one that would ensure employment opportunities.

Okon gave the assurance that the host community would be fully engaged in the seaport project as all the issues raised will be addressed.

“The government will like to take into consideration the feelings of his people and all the issues will be taken care of.

“This project will ensure that there are employment opportunities,” Okon said.

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