The completion of Ibaka Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom is an answer to port decongestion and a solution to unemployment of Nigerian youths, says Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor expressed this view when Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Felak Concept Limited, Abuja leading a team of consultants handling the development of Ibaka Seaport, paid him a courtesy call Wednesday at the Governor’s Office, Uyo.

Akpabio said: “With the congestion of the Lagos Seaport, there was the need for another seaport in the country and for the creation of employment of our youths. Nigeria needs to gallop and run faster to catch up with the rest of the world. So, we must re-double our efforts and work because I believe in quality delivery, which would be made possible by our consultants.  We would work with them to achieve this milestone project.”

The Akwa Ibom helmsman said the power-point presentation by the consultants showed that the project is on the right track. He congratulated Transport Minister Senator Idris A.Umar on translating the dreams of President Jonathan and President Goodluck Jonathan on the milestone achievement for the need of another seaport in Nigeria to enhance the economy of the country.

According to Akpabio, “To say there is need for a second seaport would be an understatement. There is always need to think of another seaport and Ibaka Seaport is yet to be fully explored. Ibaka is not only a solution to unemployment but also answer to port decongestion in the country.”

He thanked Dr. Achimugu or showing commitment to the project and the fact that the outline given by the consultants could be achieved in three years, pledging to support and cooperate with them in the completion of the project.

Responding, Dr. Achimugu said as consultants and advisers on the Ibaka Seaport, they would fast track its development and completion.

Also speaking, Mr. Paul Van Eulem, Technical Partner and Head of Maritime Transport Business Solution (MTBS), said that they are committed with the project, and with the refinery there, they can produce 100,000 barrels of oil per day.

Mr. Eulem, from Holland, who made power-point presentation, said the project has five key phases and feasibility studies would be completed in 2013 while equipment are to be delivered in 2015, assuring that the project would be supervised by highly skilled people.

•Photo: Governor Akpabio.