By Solomon OKPO
Construction activities are progressing steadily at the Oron Marine Terminal and Shoreline Protection Project, a major infrastructure initiative of the Akwa Ibom State Government, with a December 2025 completion target firmly in sight.
The expansive project, awarded in 2024 through the State Ministry of Works and Fire Service and currently executed by JMK Construction Limited, is designed to transform the Oron waterfront into a modern marine terminal.
During a project site inspection on Monday, the Project Manager, Engr. Ime Ikono, briefed members of the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Practitioners on the key components of the development. These include the main terminal building, a jetty, shoreline protection, a storage warehouse, a rice and seafood coolroom, internal roads, and a 2,000-capacity public car park.
“There’s also a floating bar designed not only for travelers but also for leisure seekers, an attraction that will boost local tourism,” Engr. Ikono explained. “Security is a priority, which is why a Joint Task Force (JTF) office is being incorporated into the design.”
He further disclosed that construction of a double-deck cargo vessel for both vehicular and passenger transport is underway in Port Harcourt.
While progress remains strong, Ikono cited delayed compensation payments as the only major challenge potentially affecting project timelines. “If the government can resolve the compensation issues promptly, we’ll move faster to capture the full site, demolish obstructing structures, and start filling and expanding the road network,” he said.
He, however, assured that weather conditions will not derail the company’s commitment to the December deadline, stating, “We work whenever the weather permits, and we are used to it.”
Ikono affirmed the project’s potential to significantly stimulate economic activity in Oron and the wider Akwa Ibom region while opening up new tourism and logistics opportunities.
Meanwhile, at the Nsit Atai–Okobo Road project site, the contractor, Hensek Integrated Services Limited, announced that the 14.5-kilometre road is 95% complete and on track for handover by August, ahead of a scheduled commissioning in September.
Speaking with journalists at the Nsit Atai roundabout, Site Engineer John Ekongson disclosed that final asphalting (wearing course) had been completed along most parts of the stretch, with only minor sections around DPL to Nsit Atai junction and before Okobo junction remaining.
“The drainage system is almost done—only 140 metres out of the entire length is left. The two major roundabouts, Nsit Atai and Okobo, are also progressing well. We’re working under the rain and under pressure to meet the timeline,” Ekongson added.
He confirmed that the entire stretch will feature streetlights to enhance nighttime visibility and safety.
The inspection by the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Practitioners formed the concluding part of their three-day media symposium, which ended Monday. The delegation was led by Elder Edet Okpo (Chairman), Comrade Akra Bassey (Vice Chairman), and other executive and rank-and-file members from multiple media outlets.
The association commended the government and contractors for the scale and quality of work observed, urging sustained momentum to deliver timely and impactful projects to the people of Akwa Ibom.
