Akwa Ibom State Government is set to reactivate its moribund water transport to ferry passengers from the state to Calabar on a regular basis. Governor Godswill Akpabio dropped the hint during Akwa Ibom Special Day at the just concluded 21st Enugu International Trade Fair. He said that government was vigorously exploring means of opening up the state to the neighboring Cross River State by sea with the provision of luxury yacht service to transport indigenes and visitors to and from Calabar.

Governor Akpabio, represented on the occasion by Mrs. Atim Eno, permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said that his administration has successfully overhauled the transport sector in the state with strategies for land, water and air transport for the benefit of all. He noted that under air transportation, his administration had completed work on the Akwa Ibom International Airport, which he said has facilitated flights in and out of the airport. Describing the theme of the trade fair “Economic Recovery and Development through Public and Private Partnership,” as very apt and timely, especially when Nigeria is emphasizing on partnership with the public sector, the governor posited that the commencement of commercial flights at the Ibom International Airport has offers Akwa Ibom random access to any part of the world.

Governor Akpabio explained that negotiations were in top gear with private investors on the possibility of exploiting the full potentials of the Ibom Industrial City. The Ibaka deep-sea port, the governor added will take full advantage of the state’s free export zone status, noting that being the only state in Nigeria that is served by three export free zones, it suggests triple benefit for all investors.

The governor further explained that Akwa Ibom decided to participate in the fair with a resolve to achieve for itself the objectives of the fair in view of the enormous potentials the people of the state have in all facets of economic investments, noting that the sky would have been their limits, given adequate support by well meaning investors and entrepreneurs.

Commenting on tourism, Chief Akpabio said that one of the cardinal objectives of his administration was to transform the state not just into a major economic power bloc, but also as a destination of choice, taking full advantage of the unrivalled serene landscape, 128Km long sand beaches and coastline strewn over the state through the sitting of a multi billion Naira world class Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center in the heart of the state capital. He therefore expresses hope for a fruitful and mutually beneficial business relationship between the participating states, organizations and the government and people of Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Emem Wills, in his address said that the theme of the fair was in line with what Akwa Ibom was doing by exposing and promoting the industrial and agricultural resources of the state with the aim of diversifying the nation’s economy. Dr. wills further pledged the resolve of the state government to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), explaining that the participation of Akwa Ibom at the fair was to showcase some of its products and services which were derived from the natural endowment of the state, having been harnessed by the creative minds of the people.

Speaking, the Vice President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Sir Okechukwu Nwadinobi congratulated governor Akpabio for successfully implementing the free and compulsory education from primary to secondary schools in the state, initiating massive road construction using reputable construction companies as well as interest in the deep sea port project being the only deep seaport in the country. He pledged the willingness of Enugu Chamber of Commerce to assist in selling Akwa Ibom products within and outside the country for greater patronage and partnership.