A’Ibom Loses $5m Daily Due To Lack Of Maritime Participation – Norfin Group

Akwa Ibom born ship manufacturer, and Chairman of Norfin Group, Engr. Iniekong Charles Udonwa has tasked people of the state to be deeply involved in maritime activities,  saying the state loses over 5million dollars daily due to lack of interest by the government and people to invest in the sector ‘s potentials.

 

This , he said in a statement was based on the official commissioning of Norfin Offshore Shipyard in Oruk-Anam local government area of Akwa Ibom State, which will hold on Saturday.

 

According to him, ” This is a money spinning investment, and Akwa Ibom is loosing 5Million Dollars daily following the inability of our own people to get involved in ship owning business and investment in the maritime sector. All we are concerned is politics”.

 

Fielding questions from newsmen at the shipyard, the CEO of Norfin Group,  explained that aside the security vessel that would be ready for unveiling on Saturday, the company has the capacity for ship building, ferries, and all kinds of ship, adding that already, the company has received orders by clients to build other sea vessels.

 

“This is a private Investment. Akwa Ibom State government has provided a secured environment and community support for the investment.

 

“We will soon embark on construction of other sea going vessels, including, ferries, barges, fishing trawlers among others.

 

Worried by the seeming lack of interest by indigenes of the state in the maritime and oil and gas sector, Engr. Udonwa who urged Akwa Ibom people to pick interest in the maritime industry said ; “Akwa Ibom produces 65%(percent) of crude oil in Nigeria and there is need for Akwa Ibom people to get involved in the maritime sector.

 

 

 

“For now we are building a security patrol vessel. We will also build fishing trawler, boats, ship”.

 

He made a case for a state owned financial institution that would help the people access credit facilities to enable them acquire ships and invest in the nation’s maritime industry.

 

“We need an Akwa Ibom bank that would support our people to buy ship and invest in the maritime and oil and gas sector”

 

Currently, the technical team were seen putting finishing touches on the security patrol vessel ahead of Saturday inauguration date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the commissioning , the statement added that “The shipyard, a private investment of a Singaporean based Akwa Ibom born , is located along the Ikot Abasi-Port Harcourt expressway.

 

“The historical grand opening ceremony which will feature the unveiling of ‘MV Norfin Swift’, a 9 meter security patrol vessel built by the company to be used by security operatives in securing the nation’s waterways, will hold, Saturday 30th January, 2021at the company’s ship yard in Oruk-Anam.