By Dianabasi Effiong
Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom’s maritime and energy sectors have urged Governor Umo Eno to establish a Ministry of Blue Economy to coordinate the state’s expanding maritime activities and unlock investment opportunities along its coastline.
The call was made in Uyo during a roundtable organised by the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State chapter, where industry players warned that the absence of a dedicated ministry was hindering regulation, environmental monitoring and policy coordination in the sector.
A maritime and blue economy expert, Mr Idongesit Antung, said more than 6,208 maritime-related firms currently operate across the state’s coastal corridor, covering offshore services, fisheries, marine transportation, oil and gas logistics, dredging and shipping support.
He stressed that the growing sector required “strong institutional coordination and clear government policies.”
The stakeholders noted that despite Akwa Ibom’s strategic Atlantic coastline and increasing maritime investments, the state risks losing economic opportunities without a specialised structure to drive the sector.
They referenced the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and headed by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola as a model for sub-national coordination.
They argued that creating a state ministry would strengthen investment promotion, improve safety compliance, generate jobs and revenue, and attract international partnerships.
The stakeholders also called for stricter oversight to protect coastal communities and marine resources from “poorly regulated maritime operations.”
Meanwhile, the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria inaugurated its Akwa Ibom State executive council with Mr Ndifreke Harrison emerging as the pioneer chairman.
Other officials include Etim Ekpima, Mabel Ekanem, Josephine Ekpa, Deborah Young, Ofonime Honesty, Nsikak Julius, Unyime Ekwere and Elder Dianabasi Effiong.
Harrison pledged that the new leadership would pursue “professionalism, ethical journalism and advocacy for the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Blue Economy,” while promoting stronger collaboration with industry stakeholders and development partners.
