Bill on Maritime Sector Operations passed into Law by AKHA

By Mfonobong Ukpong

A bill for a law to regulate the Maritime sector
operations in Akwa Ibom State has been passed by
the House of Assembly.

The bill which has been forwarded to the governor
for accent, was passed on Tuesday by the
legislature following a submission of report by the
Chairman, Joint House Committee on Petroleum,
Economic Development and Transport, Hon.
Asuquo Archibong.

Passing the bill, the lawmakers observed that it
has become imperative for the state to government
to intervene in the state's maritime sector to
address safety, security and environmental
concerns.

They also agreed that the bill will
generate economic benefits as it is capable of
generating employment opportunities for indigenes
of the state, and as well boost the state's revenue
base.

The bill provides that every oil exploration and
production company operating major or marginal
fields within the state shall open and maintain a
functional office in the state. The law also
stipulates that '' every company engaged in or
intending to do maritime-related business with any
oil company operating within the state territorial
waters shall, provide evidence of substantial
engagement of indigenes of Akwa Ibom State by
the company and be registered with the Ministry
(related to transportation and Petroleum matters)".

Clause 2 of the same bill provides that "Every
person whose vessel is used for oil/gas
prospecting, exploration and production, drilling,
storage, accommodation, lifting of crude oil,
refining, personnel movement, and other marine
activities within the state territorial waters must be
registered with the Ministry before commencing
their operations".

The Maritime sector Regulations Law takes effect
today.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.
Barr. Onofiok Luke, saluted the sponsor, Hon.
Usoro Akpanusoh, member representing Esit-Eket /
Ibeno state constituency for his courage and
foresight. He thanked the Chairman and members
of the Joint committee and members of the House
for their dedication and commitment to duty in
ensuring the smooth passage of the bill.

Listing the benefits of the Maritime Sector
Regulation bill, Speaker Luke expressed hope that
the law passed by the House will prevent tax
evasion in the maritime sector and would as well
introduce transparency and accountability in the
process of revenue collection.

"This is to further demonstrate our commitment to
boosting the revenue of our state through ensuring
that we make laws which would protect the
financial rights of Akwa Ibom State as we deepen
our relationship with business partners and open
our doors to new business opportunities.

It is part
of our legislative agenda to boost the IGR of our
state.

It is a settled fact that state economies are
bleeding due to global fall in oil prices. Therefore,
the need to salvage the economy from the gallows
through legislative reforms cannot be
overemphasised".