The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Norfin Offshore Shipyard, Mr Iniekong Udonwa has said the Akwa Ibom State Government is losing $5 million daily revenue in the ship ownership business.
Udonwa said the inability of indigenes or government of the state to involve in ship ownership businesses is causing huge revenue loss to Akwa Ibom.
Speaking to newsmen at the Shipyard in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, the chairman urged people of the state to pick interest in the maritime industry and not just focus on politics.
He stated the Akwa Ibom produces 65 per cent of the crude oil in Nigeria, as such, there was a need for the people to get involved in the maritime sector.
“This is a money-spinning investment, and Akwa Ibom is losing five million dollars daily following the inability of our own people to get involved in ship owning business and investment in the maritime sector.”
Udonwa who revealed that the shipyard would be officially commissioned by the Akwa Ibom State Government on January 30, 2021, at the company’s shipyard, said MV Norfin Swift, a nine-metre security patrol vessel would also be unveiled on that day.
He said, “We need an Akwa Ibom bank that would support our people to buy a ship and invest in the maritime and oil and gas sector.”
“If Akwa Ibom people can purchase 50 ships that could generate about 50 million dollars revenue to the State”.
