Advertisement
The event which took place at the Shipyard located along the Oruk-Anam axis of the East-West road, also culminated in the official unveiling of the multi-billion naira shipyard by the governor.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor reiterated the readiness of the state government to partner the Norfin Group.
He lauded Charles Udonwa, the investor, a singaporean-based ship builder for his decision to site the shipyard in the state, noting that the gesture is worthy of emulation.
Advertisement
He condemned the recent attack on the shipyard and charged the host community to see the investment as an asset that must be protected, noting that irrespective of the location, the shipyard would benefit the entire country.
Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, Mr Greg Ogbeifun
Chief Greg Ogbeifun is the former President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Starz Investments Company Limited. In an interview with Chris Paul, he speaks about the sorry state of the shipping industry in Nigeria; how the crash in oil prices globally and COVID-19 pandemic are killing off Nigerian Shipping investments, with Onne as the mortuary, where they are buried. With the coming Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA), Ogbeifun is saddened that Nigerian Maritime sector may be missing in action. Government policies and stifling of Nigerian players in the sector, literally breaks his heart. How do they compete against their foreign counterpart? He would wonder. His personal experience, illustrates the tragic plight of his colleagues in the business.
FG to assist shipbuilding firm, Norfin Offshore - National Accord Newspaper nationalaccordnewspaper.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nationalaccordnewspaper.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
FG to assist shipbuilding firm, Norfin Offshore
The shipyard, located in Akwa Ibom State, has begun the production of security patrol vessels.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, made the pledge on Saturday in Oruk Anam Local Government Area,
Akwa Ibom State, while inaugurating the Norfin Offshore’s shipyard.
Mr Mustapha, represented by the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Abba, spoke of the readiness of the Federal Government to partner the firm and “provide for as much as it requires to succeed.”
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, in his remarks, said his administration was out to attract more private investments and provide a conducive environment for investors.
Chris Paul
For not having a national shipping line of her own, Nigeria is losing over $15 billion annually, out of which $7billion accounts for freight services.
This was revealed by former President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria and Chairman of Starzs Shipping Company, Chief Greg Ogbeifun, in an interview with THISDAY.
According to him, this sum also includes the taxes Nigeria is losing by not employing Nigerians.
Ogbeifun recalled attempts by the current Minister of Transportation, Amaechi Rotimi to revive the process to bring back the national shipping Line.
âOne of the first things, the Minister transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, did when he became Minister was to form two Committees. One was to work on the establishment of a national fleet and the other to examine the structure of NIMASA,â he said.