By Ifiok ITIABA – Uyo|
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed the bill to Regulate Maritime Sector Operations, fixed offshore oil/gas production facilities (platforms) and registration for the purpose of generating internal revenue for the State into Law.
The bill was passed by the House, today, following the report of the Joint Committees on Petroleum; Economic Planning and Development; and Works and Transport chaired by Hon. Asuquo Archibong (APC-Urue Offong State Constituency).
The bill was sponsored by Rt. Hon Usoro Akpanusoh (PDP-Esit Eket/ Ibeno state constituency).
Dr Akpanusoh the sponsor, had informed the House during the Second Reading of the bill that the law will enhance and further improve the Akwa Ibom State government revenue monthly through registration and issuance of operation permits.
The Maritime bill will create an enabling environment for effective control and monitoring of maritime activities within our territorial waters especially as it is related to oil and gas exploration/ production logistic support.
“The State would be bound to prevent and control all forms of marine related pollution from any source within her territorial waters and will earn revenue from marine companies and oil companies discharging ballast waters and spill into our waters. ”
“The bill will cause all the maritime companies providing marine logistics support service to open and operate their office within the state”.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke said the Law will address menace of unemployment, and will make indigenes of host communities constitute greater part of workforce of operating companies and also help the state generate IGR,
Barr Luke noted that the Law will compel operators within the Maritime Sector to locate their offices within their areas of operation thereby helping in the improvement efforts of local communities.
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