The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has called on Governor Umo Eno to establish a Ministry of Blue Economy to unlock the state’s vast maritime resources, boost internally generated revenue and create thousands of employment opportunities.
In a statement jointly signed by the National Secretary of EMR, Dr. Saviour Ekpe; State Chairman, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke; and State Secretary, Comrade Nabel Ekanem, the association said Akwa Ibom possesses enormous maritime assets capable of transforming its economic fortunes if properly harnessed through a dedicated institutional framework.
According to the group, Akwa Ibom has about 28 kilometres of coastline, 22 underdeveloped jetties and terminals, more than 100 offshore platforms and rigs, as well as over 3,000 vessels operating within its maritime domain. The state is also endowed with abundant fisheries resources, aquatic organisms, sea salt deposits and kaolin minerals.
The EMR noted that despite these advantages, the state continues to lose significant economic opportunities and revenues from anchorage services, local content participation, chandelling operations, stevedoring services, maritime logistics and other support services to neighbouring states.
The association argued that the creation of a Ministry of Blue Economy would provide a coordinated platform for policy development, regulation, investment promotion, revenue generation, job creation and sustainable management of the state’s maritime resources.
According to the statement, the proposed ministry would also establish a comprehensive database of vessels, offshore platforms, maritime service providers, seafarers and international oil companies operating within the state’s maritime environment, thereby strengthening regulatory oversight and improving revenue collection.
EMR further stated that the maritime sector remains one of the most viable sectors of the state’s economy outside crude oil production and has the potential to become a major driver of sustainable development and internally generated revenue.
The group estimated that maritime-related activities could generate over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs across sectors such as maritime transportation, fisheries and aquaculture, marine logistics, ship leasing, tourism, chandelling, stevedoring and environmental services.
The association also highlighted the strategic importance of the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone and Marine Solutions Hub, which spans more than 50,000 hectares across several local government areas, including Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Mkpat Enin, Oruk Anam, Onna, Ibeno, Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Esit Eket and Eket.
According to EMR, a dedicated ministry would provide the institutional framework needed to maximize the economic benefits of the project and position the state as a major maritime investment destination.
The group noted that the Federal Government has already established a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, while states such as Bayelsa and Benue have created similar structures to drive blue economy development. It added that Lagos State operates a Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, while Rivers State has taken steps to strengthen its blue economy framework.
EMR therefore urged Governor Umo Eno to seize the opportunity to position Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s leading maritime and blue economy hub by establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy staffed by experienced maritime professionals and backed by appropriate legislation.
The association maintained that the initiative would enhance revenue generation, attract investments, create employment opportunities, strengthen local content participation and further advance the ARISE Agenda of the present administration.
“Akwa Ibom possesses the resources, strategic location and maritime advantages necessary to become a dominant force in Nigeria’s blue economy. What remains is the political will to establish the institution that will coordinate and drive this transformation,” the statement concluded.This version is structured in a standard newspaper style, with attribution placed early and the key news angle highlighted in the lead.
