RismadarVoice Reporters, May 7, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed satisfaction with the level of work done on the 64-seat passenger and cargo ferry being constructed by the Nigerian Navy at the Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, assuring that the vessel will be ready by June.
The inspection team, led by the State Delivery Adviser on the project, Hon. Orman Esin, visited the shipyard alongside the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd), and other government officials as part of efforts to assess the progress and operational readiness of the vessel.
Speaking during the visit, Esin said the administration of Governor Umo Eno remained committed to reviving marine transportation and expanding the blue economy in the state.
He said the ferry project, currently at about 80 per cent completion, was progressing according to schedule based on assurances received from the Nigerian Navy.
“We are happy with the level of work done and the assurance from the Naval authorities that the vessel will be ready for a test run in June,” he said.
Also on the inspection team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso; the Special Assistant on Multimedia and Web Management, Engr. Solomon Eyo; and the Director of Marine Services in the Ministry of Transport, Mr Ekerete Edo.
Conducting the delegation round the facility, the Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral Ikenna Ubani, disclosed that funding had been secured to fast-track the completion of the project.
Ubani said major installations had already been completed, while only finishing works remained on the vessel.
He added that the ferry would undergo final technical checks before sailing to Akwa Ibom State at the end of June.
Technical briefings during the visit showed progress on critical components including installation of zinc anodes, reinforcement of the car deck, correction of structural welding, and construction of the loading ramp.
Other ongoing works include installation of electrical wiring, navigation and communication systems, solar facilities, plumbing and ventilation systems.
The delegation also reviewed plans for integrating the ferry operations with the Oron jetty infrastructure currently under development to ensure smooth deployment upon delivery.
The project also incorporates manpower development, with the state government already training personnel to manage marine operations.
One of the beneficiaries of the marine training initiative, Mr Aniebiet Brendan from Etinan Local Government Area, said he emerged successful after a transparent recruitment process involving over 200 applicants through the ARISE Portal.
Brendan thanked Governor Eno for the opportunity to pursue his career as a marine engineer.
The ferry, expected to operate from the Oron Marine Terminal, will carry 64 passengers and seven vehicles, and is aimed at boosting transportation, tourism and economic activities across the coastal communities of the state.
The state government also disclosed that a second ferry being constructed in Lagos by Hydro Marine Boat Services Limited is nearing completion for deployment at the Oron Marine Terminal.
