Cross River State Government in southern Nigeria has announced plans to float a state’s shipping line that will service countries along the coastal line.

The State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, announced the plan on Friday at a meeting with 21 indigenous Merchant Navy Maritime Students from the Philippines. They were on a courtesy visit to his office in Calabar.

Assuring them of the government’s continuous support, the governor said that as a result of the new development, coupled with the fact that Cross River now has well trained maritime experts, his administration would see to the creation of Maritime Services Department in the state.

Governor Ayade further told the visitors that, the Maritime department would oversee the affairs of the students and ensure that they got to the peak of their chosen career.

Leader of the group, Deck Cadet Olom Gabriel Odey, thanked the governor for the role he played in facilitating their admission into Maritime Universities of Cebu and Lecyean, both in the Philippines, as a serving Senator.

The trainees further requested for an opportunity to have sea time experience which is the perquisite for their training programme. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Governor Ayade.