By: Solomon Essiet
As part of the continuous efforts to developing the blue economy in Akwa Ibom State, the Government under the visionary leadership of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has embarked on the Maritime Infrastructure Development Project in Oron Local Government Area. This initiative fully aligns with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, reaffirming his commitment to modernize and reposition public infrastructure, strengthen the economy, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Upon completion, Oron will emerge as the strategic Maritime hub, facilitating trade, enhancing connectivity, and driving sustainable development in the region. With the development in Oron Maritime business, we would testrun what would become of Ibom Deep Seaport when it finally comes to actualisation. The project scope are as follows:
✅ Construction of a new and modern terminal building
✅ Construction of Storage facility to provide (Warehouse, Dry storage, and cold room facility powered by solar system)
✅ Construction of new Cargo Jetty, Ferry Jetty and Joint Task Force Jetty.
✅ Provision and construction of shoreline and embankment protection facility and by-sheet piling method
✅ Construction of a modern motor park to provide services to the users of the facilities.
✅ Construction of new Maritime Joint Force Outpost Office block.
✅ Construction of Car/Lorry parks for users of Maritime facilities
✅ Provision of a one pump fuel dump.
✅ Construction of a workshop for Boat repairs
✅ External works including fencing with Gate houses
✅ Access road to Maritime terminal building and modern motor park.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State is determined to change the face of Maritime business in Oron by this ambitious Project towards the betterment of the lives of the people in Oron and the neighboring communities. The modernization of Oron’s Maritime Infrastructure will no doubt boost trade and transportation by the construction of new Jetties, modern terminal, and storage facilities. These upgrades will improve cargo and passenger movement, attract investment and create economic opportunities. Improved connectivity through a motor park, car parks, and access road will further integrate land and sea transport, thereby making Oron a key Maritime Hub in South South Nigeria.
Beyond economic growth, the project enhances security, tourism potentials, and public safety. The establishment of Maritime Joint Task Force Outpost, Solar-powered lighting, and embankment protection will ensure a safe Maritime environment. Recreational facilities such as floating bar, beachfront sit-outs huts will promote tourism and enhances relaxation for the Maritime’s facility users. This initiatives, again aligns with the ARISE Agenda, reinforcing the Governor’s Commitment to Infrastructural Development and economic renaissance in Akwa Ibom State.
The contractors, Bulletin Construction Company, with expertise in Maritime construction offered to deliver the job in August 2025. What a wonder? This also correspond with the delivery timeline for the Construction of Ferry Boat awarded to the Nigerian Navy months ago by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. According to the Governor, “On the day of the commissioning of the Oron Maritime Projects around September, I would love to travel from Oron to Calabar using the Ferry Boat”. A demonstration of his commitment to seeing to timely delivery of the project to the people of Oron Local Government Area and the neighboring communities, whose source of livelihood is traceable to the activities and connecting businesses in the Maritime sector as a full value-chain.
During the flagg off of the Maritime project, notable amongst others, was the joy in the faces of the people of Oron Local Government Area, who came out en masse to receive the Governor. The massive fish, that can probably fed a whole village, given to Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, by the people of Oron Local Government Area, is a testament to the degree of gratefulness on the part of Oron people. Governor Umo Eno, charged the people to protect the Maritime facilities upon completion, so that it can be properly handed over to the next generation as maintenance culture is key to sustainable development everywhere in the world.
Arise, that same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet (ACIA)
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
