Akwa Ibom state maritime sector has received a boost with the commencement of production by Norfin Offshore Shipyard Ltd.
The first ship currently under construction at the factory is expected to be ready in December, this year.
The ship manufacturing and marine services company is owned by Engr. Charles Udonwa an indigene of Akwa Ibom State whose company had been in Singapore producing and providing shipping services to several countries, including Nigeria.
Speaking on the new shipping yard, the Etinan born industrialist said his motivation was to support the Governor in his mission to create jobs, develop talents and skills as well as contribute to the growth of Akwa Ibom state’s economy.
Receiving the Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Research and Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso and his team at the shipyard sited at Ikot Ukpong in Oruk Anam, he said his vision is to make Nigeria, through Akwa Ibom to become a major player in the ship manufacturing industry.
He said his factory which is still expanding, is expected to churn out Made in Nigeria sea vessels for Nigeria’s maritime sector and offshore operations as well as pleasure rides.
“I am here to help establish Nigeria as a shipbuilding country. We are here to create opportunities.
“As we speak, we have over 70 people earning salaries in this place. Nigeria has to establish itself as a shipbuilding country, and that’s what we are doing here.
“So far we’ve sunk 2 Million dollars on the ground, sand filling and stone filling this place. Before we finish here, about 20 million dollars would have been spent developing this place.
He said the stretch of road, Ikot Abasi – Port Harcourt Expressway was within the recently approved Liberty Free Trade Zone and commended Governor Emmanuel for his support to their operations.
“We are here to stay. Other multinational companies are also going to establish along the same stretch. But we need government to help us subdue militancy so that development would come.
“It was Governor Udom Emmanuel who called me in Singapore to come and start the business in the state, before his call came, I had invitations from several other parts of Nigeria but I chose my state.
Also speaking, the Operations Manager of the company, Mr. Ekpoafia Maxwell who hails from the operational community, explained that the ship factory hopes to create thousands of job opportunities in no distant time with the propose building of six more ship factories at the present location.
Other workers at the factory commended the Governor for the industrial revolution in the state, and thanked the company for the opportunities they have been offered to be more responsible for themselves.
Reacting, the Governor’s aide Mr Essien Ndueso commended Engr. Udonwa for keying into the Governor’s completion agenda programme which he said encapsulates maritime development, rural development and job creation.
He noted that the Shipyard and other industries which are about to spring up in the 50,000 hectares Liberty Free Trade Zone would open up sustainable business opportunities in Akwa Ibom, and urged the host communities to give the investors the necessary cooperation and support.
