By Isaiah Eka

Sen. Wasiu Eshinlokun, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, has described the Maritime Sector as a critical asset for development of the economy and generation of employment opportunities.

Eshinlokun said this in his remarks, during the committee’s visit to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom on oversight functions.

The chairman led members of the committee to the academy to ascertain the state of the institution’s infrastructure and verify its suitability for education.

“We are here to witness the strides you have made, understand the challenges you face and collaborate in shaping the future of maritime education in Nigeria.

He commended the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna, for the standard of infrastructure seen during the visit, describing them as strategic national asset and of international standard suitable for education of seafarers and other maritime courses.

“This visit offered us an opportunity to assess the professional infrastructure and academic capacity of the academy and, more importantly, its teaching and learning.

“This institution is not just a citadel of learning, it is a strategic asset for Nigeria’s drive toward economic emancipation and maritime development,” he said.

Eshinlokun added that the National Assembly was proud to complement the academy’s strides through legislative support and continuous engagement.

Addressing the cadets and management staff after the tour of facilities, the senate committee chairman commended the academy for its state-of-the-art simulators.

He urged the cadets to be committed to their training, saying that they are the country’s future captains, transport technocrats and ship administrators.

The lawmaker added that Nigeria was getting to become a maritime hub because of President Bola Tinubu’s desire to invest in the Marine and Blue Economy.

“Today’s inspection of your completed and ongoing projects has been nothing short of remarkable.

“We have seen the state-of-the-art marine simulators to the engineering workshop, marine exhibition hall, cadet hostels, jetties, boat maintenance yards, and anchorage.

“It is evident that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria is not only growing in infrastructure, but is also evolving in excellence,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Rector, Okonna, thanked the senate committee for the visit, saying it was the first in eight years.

Okonna commended the committee for ensuring that appropriations were made to the academy to enhance maritime education.

He also thanked President Tinubu for his passion to develop the country’s maritime sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare