Urue Offong Oruko Lawmaker commends AKHA for speedy passage of Maritime Sector Operations Bill

By Anietie Esu

The member representing Urue Offong Oruko State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of
Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Matters, Hon. Asuquo Archibong (APC
Member), has commended the House under the leadership of Barr Onofiok Luke for the speedy passage of the bill for a law to regulate the Maritime Sector Operations in the State.

Archibong gave the commendation while answering questions in an interview with reporters in his office shortly after the Assembly's plenary on Tuesday, where the bill was passed into law.

He said the maritime law when assented by the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel would create
employment opportunities for indigenes of the State and boost the State's Internally Generated
Revenue (IGR).

While submitting the reports of the Joint House Committee on Petroleum, Economic Planning and
Development, Works and Transport to the House, the lawmaker said, "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".

According to him, 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).

"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 lawmaker who described the bill as one of the most important bill passed by the State's Assembly, lauded the Assembly under the
leadership of Luke for the great feat so far as exemplified in the passage of people's oriented bills.

" Rt Hon. (Barr) Onofiok Akpan Luke is my leader, my boss.

I have never seen this kind of leader. He is a man I respect so much. His leadership in the 6th Assembly is excellent ", Hon. Asuquo
Archibong stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker, Barr Luke commended the sponsor of the bill, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh ( Member, Esit Eket/Ibeno State
Constituency) and the Chairman and members of the Joint Committee as well as members of the House for their dedication and commitment to duty in ensuring the smooth passage of the bill.