The Akwa Ibom State Government says construction of its 64-seat passenger and cargo ferry has reached the final stage, a development expected to strengthen marine transportation, boost coastal trade and support Nigeria’s growing blue economy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
An inspection team led by the State Delivery Adviser on the project, Hon. Orman Esin, visited the Nigerian Navy Shipyard in Port Harcourt where the vessel is being built, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
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Esin said the ferry project, initiated by Governor Umo Eno to restore water transportation and unlock maritime opportunities in Akwa Ibom, had reached “80 percent completion” with assurances from the Nigerian Navy that it “will be ready in June.”
The delegation included the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (Rtd), Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, alongside marine and technical officials.
The inspection underscored Akwa Ibom’s strategic alignment with the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen marine infrastructure, create jobs and stimulate economic growth through the blue economy sector.
Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral Ikenna Ubani, assured the delegation that “necessary funding support has been secured to fast-track completion,” stressing that the vessel “will be ready for test run in June.”
Ubani further disclosed that “all the major installations on the vessel have been fixed and only minor finishing touches are currently being carried out.”
Technical Updates
Technical updates at the facility showed substantial progress on critical components, including installation of zinc anodes, reinforcement of the vehicle deck, structural welding corrections, navigation systems, electrical wiring, bridge control systems, plumbing, ventilation and solar-powered facilities.
Officials also reviewed integration plans connecting the ferry to the Oron Marine Terminal infrastructure to guarantee smooth deployment and commercial operations immediately after delivery.
Beyond infrastructure, the project is already advancing human capital development within the maritime sector.
One of the trainees under the state’s marine manpower initiative, Mr. Aniebiet Brendan from Etinan Local Government Area, commended the transparent recruitment process.
“I was invited for interview along with 200 others who had applied through the state’s Arise Portal,” Brendan said, thanking Governor Umo Eno for the opportunity to pursue his dream as a marine engineer.
Vibrant Blue Economy
The ferry, designed to convey 64 passengers and seven vehicles per trip, is expected to significantly improve coastal mobility, expand tourism potential and stimulate business activities across riverine communities.
A second ferry being constructed in Lagos by Hydro Marine Boat Services Limited for the Akwa Ibom State Government is nearing completion.
With the twin-ferry initiative and ongoing marine infrastructure development, Akwa Ibom is positioning itself as an emerging maritime hub, reinforcing the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope vision for a modernized and economically vibrant blue economy.
