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Oron maritime project features passenger and cargo jetties, warehouse, cold room and fish-processing facilities.
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Two ferries acquired from the Nigerian Navy, with two additional vessels expected.
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Project targets improved coastal transport, maritime security, tourism and job creation.
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Oron-Calabar route expected to benefit from expanded ferry operations.
October 20, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to commission the Oron Marine City in December 2026, alongside the acquisition of two ferries to strengthen coastal transportation and position the community as a major maritime and commercial hub.
The governor disclosed this during the October Government House monthly prayer service in Uyo, describing the project as part of his administration’s efforts to harness the state’s maritime resources and advance the blue economy objectives of the ARISE Agenda.
The Oron Maritime Infrastructure Project comprises a terminal building, passenger and cargo jetties, a warehouse, cold room, fish-drying facilities, a workshop, car park, recreational area, floating bar, Joint Task Force (JTF) jetty and hotel development.
The facilities are expected to facilitate the movement of passengers and cargo, support fishing and fish processing, reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate commercial activities in Oron and neighbouring coastal communities.
Governor Eno also disclosed that the state had acquired two ferries, measuring 24 metres and 18 metres respectively, from the Nigerian Navy. Two additional ferries are expected to complement the vessels and support operations along the Oron-Calabar coastal route.
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The planned ferry operations are expected to provide additional transportation options for coastal residents and businesses, improve connectivity between communities and facilitate the movement of goods and people.
The project is also expected to strengthen maritime security through the provision of a dedicated JTF jetty, while its recreational facilities and hotel development are intended to support tourism and attract private investment.
Beyond transportation, the marine city is expected to create employment opportunities across maritime services, fisheries, hospitality, logistics and related businesses, expanding economic opportunities for residents of Oron and surrounding areas.
The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader economic diversification strategy, which seeks to leverage Akwa Ibom’s coastal location and maritime potential to promote investment, generate jobs and support sustainable economic growth under the ARISE Agenda.
A marine operator who commented on the planned December commissioning, Mr. Otu Ebak, says it will mark a key milestone in the development of Oron’s maritime infrastructure, saying that the project’s long-term economic impact will depend on effective operations, maintenance and sustained investment in supporting services.
