The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) has urged the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport to commence and sustain a programme for the education, training, and re-training of indigenous highly skilled manpower in the maritime sector.
The directive came sequel to a Motion by the Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio on ” Ibom Deep Seaport: Need for Anticipatory long- Term Investment in education and training of indigenous manpower in the Maritime Sector” which was seconded by Hon. Eric Akpan of Nsit Ibom State Constituency during Thursday’s Plenary.
The House also mandated its House Committee on Special Projects, Monitoring, and Implementation to liaise with the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport on the progress of training indigenous manpower in the Maritime sector.
Recalling that Governor Umo Eno, on his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, raised his concerns about the progress of Ibom Deep Seaport, commendations were given to the Governor for his overall investment in the maritime sector of the state.
The Essien Udim Lawmaker while acknowledging the potentials of the maritime sector holds in the State, explained the importance of maximising the maritime resources of the State by equipping indigenes with requisite know-how and skills that will increase their productivity in the sector.
Akpabio advocated for adequate training for workers in the maritime sector, maintaining that by equipping manpower, the sector will be advanced, and it will bring about rapid development and encourage productivity.
In their respective contributions to the Motion, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem; Hon. Kenim Onofiok (Oron/Udung Uko); Hon. Ubong Attah (Ibesikpo Asutan); Hon. Uduak EkpoUfot (Etinan), commended the Sponsor of the motion, describing it as a timely development that will improve workmanship and effectiveness in the Maritime Sector.
They also mentioned that initiating programmes on safety tips and security will enhance careful dealings and expose our indigenous manpower to compete favourable in global maritime sector.
Presiding over the session, Speaker, Rt. Hon. ( Elder) Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikak Abasi Orok, to communicate the House’s resolution to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, while adding that the House Committee on Special Project, Monitoring, and Implementation would have to act accordingly to the House’s resolution.
Also during Thursday’s Plenary, a Motion on the need to renovate AKwa Ibom State Fire Service Headquarters and provide basic working tools for the staff by the state Government, moved by the Member for Ikot Ekpene/ Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu and seconded by Hon. Uwem Imo-Ita of Mkpat Enin State Constituency was heard and referred to the House Committee on Works and Fire service for further Legislative action .
Meanwhile, the House has adjourned plenary to Thursday 13th March 2025 at 10 a.m.
Press Unit,
Office of the Speaker,
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA).
