To strengthen its capacity for emergency response and waterway operations, the Bayelsa State Government has acquired additional marine vessels by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Zibs-Godwin, disclosed this during a briefing with journalists in Yenagoa, following the arrival of the newly procured rivercrafts, say a post shared on Wednesday.
According to her, the new assets are designed to enhance safety, mobility and rapid response across the state’s extensive inland and coastal waterways, particularly during medical and security emergencies.
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She explained that the move aligns with the Assured Prosperity Administration’s commitment to building a reliable and people-centred marine transport system.
Dr. Zibs-Godwin stated that the latest delivery includes water ambulances, passenger ferries, cruise boats and a cargo barge, among other vessels.
The commissioner noted that the water ambulances, in particular, will play a critical role in improving access to urgent medical care for riverine communities that are often difficult to reach by road.
However, Dr. Zibs-Godwin added that the new vessels will complement existing marine fleets already deployed by the Ministry, thereby expanding operational reach and improving efficiency in areas such as emergency response, marine logistics, tourism development and commercial transportation.
The Commissioner commended Governor Douye Diri while receiving the vessels at the Ministry’s jetty in Yenagoa for prioritising maritime development and safety.
She described his support as instrumental to the steady transformation of the state’s waterways into safer and more economically viable transport corridors.
Dr. Zibs-Godwin reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to ensure proper deployment and maintenance of the assets, stressing that the ultimate goal is to safeguard lives, promote economic activities and advance Bayelsa State’s Blue Economy agenda.
