Nigerian government to reactivate two dilapidated fishing terminals in Akwa Ibom

February 10, 2020: The federal government of Nigeria is planning to reenergise the two abandoned fishing terminals in Akwa Ibom state with an estimated investment of over N100 billion.

After the visit to Akai Ebughu and Ibaka terminals in Mbo Council, the news was revealed by senator Ita Enang, senior special assistant to president Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs.

Enang further explained that remedial measures would soon commence in the terminals for skeletal business activities pending full completion of the project.

The two fishing terminals were in existence before the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987. But successive governments at the state and federal levels reportedly paid little or no attention to the facilities.

“Part of our effort is to make sure that the economic potential of Nigeria in the sea, including agriculture, fishing, port activities and all things that can engage citizens of this country as well as generating revenue for the economy are activated. We are assessing the state of this multipurpose terminal, which were initially conceived, planned and constructed primarily as fishing terminals, but it is now for all kinds of vessels and all economic activities. These terminals, when activated, can take care of economic challenges of this country, which include fishing and all kinds of import which would create employment,” he said.

The presidential aide added that part of the reasons for assessing the project was to let the investors identify the potential of the facility, as reported by The Guardian.

Enang said that the government was determined to boost security at sea and coastal areas to curtail the activities of pirates at Ibaka seaports, adding that modalities were being worked out to alleviate the plight of the people in the coastal area.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's minister of agriculture and rural development Sabo Nanono said that Nigeria may stop fish importation by 2022. He observed that the time had come for Nigeria to look inward to tap into the huge potential in fisheries and aquaculture for local consumption and export. The measures had already been put in place by the government to implement the plan.