Akwa Ibom Economy Set For Turnaround As Modern Jetty Nears Completion

By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo

The economy of Akwa Ibom State is gearing up for a boom as Oron Marine Terminal and Shoreline Protection Project, a major infrastructure initiative of the state government will be inaugurated in this December.

The project, designed to transform the Oron waterfront into a modern marine terminal, was awarded in 2024 through the State Ministry of Works and Fire Service but currently executed by JMK Construction Limited, whose experience in Jetty construction spans decades.

JMK’s Project Manager, Engr. Ime Ikono, on Monday conducted a team of journalists round the major components of the project, which include the main terminal building, a jetty, shoreline protection, a warehouse, and seafood coldroom internal roads, and a 2,000 -capacity car park.

Others are floating bar designed not only for travelers but also for leisure seekers, an attraction that will boost local tourism and security unit Joint Task Force (JTF) being incorporated into the design.

Ikono hinted further that the construction of a double-deck cargo vessel for both vehicular and passenger transport was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and would be delivered to the state upon completion soon.

He said the project will significantly stimulate economic activity in Oron and the state generally while opening up new tourism and logistics opportunities.

A team of journalists who was on a good governance tour of the state government projects in Eket senatorial district of the state, also visited ongoing construction of Nsit Atai–Okobo Road project, handles by Hensek Integrated Services Limited.

The 14.5-kilometres road project, according the site Engineer, Engr John Ekongson is 95% complete and on track for handover by August, ahead of a scheduled commissioning in September this year.

Ekongson explained that the final asphalting (wearing course) had been completed along most parts of the stretch, with only minor sections around DPL to Nsit Atai junction and before Okobo junction remaining.

“The drainage system is almost done —only 140 metres out of the entire length is left. The two major roundabouts, Nsit Atai and Okobo, are also progressing well. We’re working under the rain and under pressure to meet the timeline,” Ekongson added.

He added that the entire stretch of the road would feature streetlights to enhance nighttime visibility and safety.

The good governance tour was part of the three day media symposium, organised by Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Practitioners which ended in the week.

The delegation which was led by Elder Edet Okpo (Chairman), Comrade Akra Bassey (Vice Chairman), commended the government and contractors for the quality of work observed, urging sustained momentum to deliver timely and impactful projects to the people of Akwa Ibom.