Eyakenyi's Plenary ALERT

11/12/2021

LOSS OF $2Bn: SEN EYAKENYI'S BILL FOR NIGERIA'S COASTGUARDS SCALES SECOND READING

Due to activities of smugglers, pirates and other criminal elements on its waterways, Nigeria loses huge revenue estimated at $2 Billion annually, contributing to the high cost of doing business in the country.

To this end, a bill to increase security presence and ensure the safety of marine activities in the Nigerian waterways has passed through second reading at the Senate.

Titled, a bill for an act to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard and other related matters, it is sponsored by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial district, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.

Leading debate on the bill, Senator Eyakenyi argued that there was urgent need for improved maritime security in Nigeria's water ways, especially given the fact that the country is strategically situated at the Gulf of Guinea with the busiest maritime zone in the coast of West Africa.

She submitted that since the coast remains the economic hub of Africa with Nigeria as the apex destination for business, there was need for the establishment of a specialized security outfit to protect and secure Nigeria's maritime assets and coastal waters.

Senator Eyakenyi maintained that, “Nigeria’s economy has been negatively impacted by threats to maritime security which are chiefly; Piracy, Armed banditry and Smuggling".

The increased insecurity on the Gulf of Guinea, the senator insisted, “has hampered the free flow of goods and distorted trade which in turn has adversely affected our economy”, with the Gulf of Guinea now categorized as the most dangerous waters in the world with the highest reported incidents of piracy and armed banditry.

Senator Eyakenyi, herself an indigene of a coastal community, Oron, in Akwa Ibom State, narrated that, “Nigeria’s coastal waters is a hotbed for pirates and armed bandits’ activities with extortion, stealing goods, snatching of traders boats, r**e and kidnapping in the creeks being the order of the day.”

She explained that the intended specialized maritime security force in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant security agencies ensure enforcement of laws and regulations on Nigeria’s coastal and internal waters as provided for under the Suppression of Piracy and Maritime Offences Act.

The coast guards are also to ensure prevention of piracy, banditry, detection of crime, preservation of life and properties on Nigeria’s Coastal and maritime zone, rescuing of cargo and vessels in the event of marine accident and other natural calamity; carrying out investigations into the cause of the marine accident; among others.

Supporting the bill, the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Smart Adeyemi observed that Nigeria needs coast guards now more than ever, given the current global challenges.

He also noted that the establishment of a coast guard for the Nigeria waterways would help other existing security agencies and while also creating job opportunities.

Also supporting the bill, was the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial district, Matthew Urhoghide who enthused that, “the Gulf of Guinea has become increasingly unsafe for those who carry out maritime activities, particularly those that are doing shipping business.

“Because of the absence of a proper force to ensure security in this zone, private companies have taken over provision of security in the zone.

We need coastguards just like we have in other countries like the United States of America, NIMASA alone cannot provide the security that we need,” Senator Urhoghide added.

27/11/2021

27/11/2021

SEN. EYAKENYI ATTENDS CRFFN GRADUATION CEREMONY
.. Pledge Senate Committee on Marine Transport Partnership in Support of CRFFN Good Policies

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi today, Saturday 27th November, 2021 attended the Graduation ceremony of Council For The Regulations of Frieght Forwarding of Nigeria(CRFFN) held in Tayo Aderinokun Theatre, Lagos State University

Sen. Eyakenyi who represented the Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport pledge that the Senate Committee on Marine as well the National Assembly will continue to partner with CRFFN to support the council good policies to better the economy of Nigria

Sen. Eyakenyi Commend the Registrar/CEO and management of the CRFFN for working daily to sustain the standards in line with the Agency's mandate.

She acknowledged that the Senate committe on Marine Transport will always be ready to collaborate with CRFFN to ensure that the highest standard of competence, best practices and conduct among individual members and organisations that engaged in frieght Forwarding profession are maintained while noting that the graduation ceremony of CRFFN is yet another milestone in the pursuit of the Agency's vision.

She opined that as being witnessed, this is not a mere graduation ceremony but a gathering of stakeholders who are passionate about development of Frieght and Forwarding Business in Nigeria to the best Global standard.

"I want every stakeholders here to be assured that the Senate Committee and indeed the National Assembly are ever ready to support good policies of CRFFN due to their important role on our economy" Sen. Eyakenyi

Earlier in an address by the Registrar of the Council, Samuel Nwakohu said that today CRFFN is graduating over 400 people in freight forwarding, supply chain management across 16 accredited tertiary institutions in the country.

Mr. Samuel said the course were initiated by the Federal Government to ensure the council weeds out quark and non-professionals within the ports corridors practising the business of freight forwarding and supply chain management in which Nigeria is still lagging behind globally.

He said the course is in line with the section 4 of the CRFFN, which provides for the training, retraining, educating and professionalising the freight forwarders with the right tools and knowledge to meet international best practices as regards trade facilitation.

According to him, the Federal Government had a mandate that the freight forwarding business should be regulated because of its importance to the nation’s and global economy

Delivering the keynote address, Hassan Bello
(Former Executive Secretary of NSC) said that When we have the requisite education in freight forwarding and supply chain management, we will help build capacity in line with international standards,

High point of the graduation ceremony was award of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in freight forwarding and supply chain management to the graduands.

The National lawmaker felicitates with the newly graduands of CRFFN and noted that the ceremony today pledge more duties on the hands of the graduands towards promotion of trade and commerce in Nigeria. She advise them to uphold the duty with utmost honesty, stewardship and love for the country.

Source: Peace Obiofia Etop
27/11/2021

24/09/2021

Our indefatigable and most distinguished Senator, Dr.(Mrs.) Akon Eyakenyi in company of His Excellency, Deacon Udom Emmanuel assisting the Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria to flag-off a 557 low density luxury estate in Akwa Ibom State, called Dakkada Luxury Estate.

That same God, this is a clear indication of our 2023 victory in advance.

God bless our most distinguished... !
God bless our Industrialized Governor... !!
God Bless Akwa-Abasi Ibom State... !!!

23/09/2021

His Excellency
Mr. Udom Emmanuel
Executive Governor
Akwa Ibom State.

Your Excellency,

GOODWILL MESSAGE

Thirty four years ago, God gave us a state named after Him. Our founding fathers began the journey of state building, dedicating quality time, resources and energy to laying firm foundations for the advancement, growth and development of every facet of our dear state and people. The legacy of peace, harmony and brotherliness handed down by them has remained the moral compass of successive administrations particularly the incumbent which greatest achievement is the enduring
peace our state has witnessed for more than six years from 2015. Akwa Ibom State now leads from the front with record-breaking achievements like the acclaimed Ibom Air admired and commended by friends and foes across the Nigerian state and beyond. Akwa Ibom is reckoned as the leader in the round leather game, we hold the record as the leader in syringe manufacturing, digital electric
meter manufacturing amongst many heartwarming industralisation success stories.

I therefore very proudly salute and congratulate our performing Governor and administrator
extraordinaire, His Excellency Mr. Udom Emmanuel for making Akwa Ibom South and Akwa Ibom State proud. It is my prayer therefore and that of the good people of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District that your remaining years shall witness more laurels as we have taken a stand with you on your Completion Agenda and Succession Plan.

May God continue to bless Akwa Ibom State.

Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, PhD.

07/09/2021

ORON CELEBRATES MPM

... As Senator Eyakenyi becomes Local Government Coordinator

The people and stakeholders of Oron Local Government Area have celebrated the arrival of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) in their area at the instance of inauguration of the Local Government Steering Committee of the group in Oron, Tuesday September 7, 2021.

The MPM train on arrival at Oron, was greeted with a mass of exciting people who did not hide their acceptance of the delegation led by the Chairman of MPM, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, as well as the message preached by the group.

In her remarks, the newly inaugurated Coordinator of MPM Steering Committee for Oron Local Government Area, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, told the MPM delegation that Oron is a peaceful area and the people exude peaceful disposition.

"Oron is a peaceful Local Government Area and the best in Akwa Ibom State. But not for peace, you won't have this crowd waiting for your arrival. You can attest to the orderliness here. I stand here to declare total support to this movement", she said.

On his part, the the chairman of MPM, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, reiterated the essence of the group, pointing that it must be a collective effort to ensure sustenance of peace in the state.

"We are united as a movement. We need peace in this state and our country at large. God has decided to visit us with peace through Governor Udom Emmanuel. The people of Oron should be confident because God has secured their future with a good man, a man of peace and He will see to it that peace is sustained in Oron Local Government Area."

Barr Enoidem also inaugurated alongside Senator Eyakenyi, the Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Hon. Orman Esin, as Secretary of Oron Local Government Steering Committee of MPM, as well as other leaders from the area.

01/09/2021

Good morning and happy new month.
My last interview with NTA parliament:

https://youtu.be/J6kZKIfAcP8

28/07/2021

RE: AKON CHALLENGES GOV. EMMANUEL

Distinguished Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi's attention has been drawn to a spurious publication in The Post newspaper of Friday 23rd July, 2021 with the above caption. The empty publication would ordinarily have been be ignored but for the sake of putting the records straight.

Let it be put on record that Distinguished Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi is conscious of the rotation arrangement existing in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District. During the electioneering, she did promise to do a term to complete the Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue-Offong Oruko Federal Constituency turn. She has not changed and has no intention to change her mind in that regard.

Any conscientious politician will not dwell on the next election after being given the people’s mandate. Their campaign on getting the people’s mandate ought to be their performance evidenced in the tangible and intangible results of their stewardship. True leaders equally must stick with their words and make same their bond and not swing along the tide. They respect boundaries and are obligated to model integrity, honesty, equity and fairness.

Since the advent of the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District has maintained a dignified rotation policy with respect to the occupation of the district’s senatorial seat. The district has upheld a two term rotation arrangement among its constituent federal constituencies. It started in 1999 with Eastern Obolo/Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin Federal Constituency which took the first shot of two terms. Senator Udoma Udo Udoma Of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area did the two terms consecutively for his federal constituency.

By 2007, the position rotated to Eket/Esit Eket/Ibeno/Onna Federal Constituency. Senator Eme Ufot Ekaette Of Onna Local Government Area took a term between 2007 and 2011 and Her Excellency, Senator Helen Esuene did the second and concluding term for their federal constituency between 2011 and 2015.

By natural order and in line with the rotation principle, Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue-Offong Oruko Federal Constituency was placed to take its turn in 2015. Senator Nelson Effiong got elected in 2015 and successfully did a term. He was succeeded by the incumbent Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi in 2019. Going by the rotation principle adopted by Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, the seat should leave Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Urue-Offong Oruko Federal Constituency in 2023 to the succeeding federal constituency.

It’s two years since Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, PhD was overwhelmingly elected by the good people of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District to the Senate Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Her primary responsibility to the good people of the district is to represent her people at that topmost legislative assembly in the country. From available evidences, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi has been and is fully occupied with the task of representing her people and bringing home democratic dividends to the millions of Akwa Ibom South constituents.

She has been actively engaged in interpreting the people’s mandate by showing sincere commitment and dedication in the discharge of her duty. It would be recalled that the performing Senator had to introduce a motion on the “Urgent Need To Address The Sorry State Of Computer Education By Providing Training For Teachers And Computer Facilities In Schools” at the very first plenary of the 9th Senate before committees of the Senate were even constituted. She has since shown uncommon zeal and commitment in the discharge of the functions of her office.

Senator Dr. Eyakenyi who happens to be the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) has so far given good account of herself to the admiration of the National Assembly Leadership hence, her appointment into very critical committees of the 9th National Assembly like; National Assembly Joint Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, National Assembly Joint Committee on 1999 Constitution Amendment etc. besides serving on very sensitive committees of the Senate.

The national lawmaker’s diligence has thus far culminated in the various life-touching projects and benefits she has attracted to her constituency and constituents. She is always seen working round the clock to justify the people’s trust and confidence and hardly has time to engage in ventures which run contrary to the social contract between her and her people.

While campaigning for the office, Distinguished Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi said she would do a term to conclude her federal constituency’s tenure. She promised to vacate the seat to the succeeding constituency in line with the existing rotation principle of the district. Being a person whose word is her bond, Senator Eyakenyi has never contemplated chewing back her words on respecting the rotation tradition of the district regarding the occupation of the senatorial seat.

Rather than being bothered about truncating the rotation arrangement in the district, Senator Dr. Eyakenyi is neck-deep in delivering on the people’s mandate. She is working tirelessly to compliment the Governor’s effort at moving the district forward in particular and the state generally. His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel had declared a state of emergency in the education sector in Akwa Ibom State and Senator Eyakenyi identifying with His Excellency’s vision has been working relentlessly to impact the education sector in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District. So far, she has built and commissioned 5 classroom blocks and 2 assembly halls besides providing portable water and VIP toilets to schools within the district.

Her passion for education and the transformation of the educational sector has translated to the many benefits enjoyed by schools around the district. Both pupils and teachers in public primary schools across the district have felt the positive impacts of Senator Dr. Eyakenyi’s representation in terms of provision of instructional materials and other inputs like textbooks (Mathematics and English), exercise books, graph books, teacher’s chairs and tables, pupil’s chairs and tables, generators etc. Senator Eyakenyi has also provided solar power to the classroom blocks built by her for schools in the district. Students in tertiary institutions have benefited from the Senator’s scholarship awards while others have severally accessed academic grants.

Many of her constituents have been assisted to secure pensionable jobs with the state and federal governments. Others have been helped to get jobs in private establishments while others are awaiting their employment offers. More projects are ongoing and at different completion levels as more approvals for projects are being expected. While the National Assembly has gone on annual break, Senator Eyakenyi is still actively carrying on with official duties within and outside the country. She is too occupied with her job to be distracted by uncoordinated 2023 senatorial ambition.

For the avoidance of doubt, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, PhD is unpretentiously and conscientiously working to fulfill her campaign promises to her people. She is glaringly in support of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s completion agenda. She has a clear understanding of the difference between politics and governance. To her, politics must never be allowed to distract from governance. In her opinion, she has four years to render service to her people and it must be four years of undivided attention. In her words, “I can’t be thinking about the next election when my contract with the owners of the mandate remains that of working for them for all of four years.”

Let’s be clear about it, Distinguished Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi is preoccupied with delivering on her 4-Year Mandate. She is obsessed with fulfilling to the later, the terms and conditions contained in her social contract with the good people of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District. The 2023 senatorial seat contest and politicking is reserved for politicians from the succeeding federal constituency. Senator Eyakenyi remains addictively committed to her duty till 2023.

© Samuel Duncan

16/07/2021

CLEAR YOUR DOUBT...

Our Distinguished Senator VOTED in supported e-transmission of election results.

With all amount of modesty and good conscience, I make bold to say here that, our most distinguished was in the Chamber from 10am to 7pm. This was why I advised my people to make ask questions first, rather than submerge the social media with unfortunate speculative accusations aimed at constituting media trials and securing street convictions for our representative and other responsible persons.

Honestly, let me say that, I have no regret that, I measured up squarely to the responsibility of bringing the information to the public domain, about those who voted for and against the e-transmission. But pointedly, the trio of our Senators from Akwa Ibom State voted in favour of the clause providing for electronic transmission of election results across the 8,000 units of the country.

This, I am sorry for those who are bent on imputing ills even on the best of our Senator's legislative diligence and kind intention to give us quality representation. I've already warned myself that no matter how hard and loudly the truth is, I'll always partner it.

I know there are some who would prefer to give themselves to alter nagative facts. But for avoidance of doubt and ease of your reference, the video below can best clear your doubt about those who voted: Yes or No and Abstained or Absent

© Babson Eduno

11/07/2021

A CALL FOR INVESTIGATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE KILLING OF DANIEL UKPE

I am saddened at the unfortunate death of the healthy, hardworking and promising Nigerian youth, DANIEL UKPE (my constituent) in the hands of suspected men of the Nigeria Police Force said to be members of the IG SQUAD.

Few months back, Nigeria was plunged into such great disaster that almost consumed the nation and we are still suffering the after-effects of the ENDSARS PROTESTS by Nigerian youths as Commissions of Enquiry set up by the State Governments across the Federation are still on the matter. I am aware that governments at different levels across the country are still working seriously to resolve the many issues that arose from that struggle by the Nigerian youths.
I pray this is not another case of POLICE BRUTALITY!

I am constrained to make the above statement because, the recurring unprofessional conducts of some men of the Nigeria Police Force resulting in the deaths of innocent Nigerians have become highly embarrassing for the country and the management of the Police Force. Nigeria Police are trained to protect lives and property, investigate cases and handle same professionally. They are not trained to kill people indiscriminately.

It is a fact that Nigeria Police are among the best trained around the globe and held in high esteem internationally. Therefore, that reputation must be constantly justified and protected.

A report got to me that suspected members of the Force were spotted shooting randomly in a bar along Eyetong Road in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Friday July 9, 2021. During that sad incident, four (4) young men who were at the bar were hit by their bullets and one died yesterday of injuries sustained from the gunshots. The other three (3) are in critical conditions in the hospital. As at now, it is unclear why the shooting took place.

I want to appreciate the timely intervention of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Oron for his wisdom in managing the matter which helped in averting violent escalation of the situation.

I am happy to know that the culprits have been arrested and detained for investigation.

I therefore call on the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State to use their good offices to cause the investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Findings should also be made open as soon as possible given the seriousness of the matter.
If found culpable, the personnel involved should be prosecuted accordingly.

I appeal to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Deacon Udom Emmanuel and the Akwa Ibom State Government to please look into the matter as well.

I implore Oro youths to remain calm and not take laws into their hands as appropriate authorities shall be prevailed upon to do justice to the matter.

My sincere condolences to the family of Late Daniel Ukpe. I wish the injured quick and total recovery.

Senator Akon Eyakenyi, PhD,
Representing Akwa Ibom South.

08/07/2021

Congratulations to our most distinguished Senator, Dr. (Mrs.) Akon Eyakenyi...

It was a great philosopher and orator, Timothy L. Griffi that once said "An achiever is not only consistent, he/she is also hard working individual who believe in him/herself". This, I want to say, our effective spokeswoman tract record of legislative diligence, humane disposition and distinctive vision in the 9th senate with attendant human capacity development, life-touching empowerment programs, even in this harsh economic realities, have undoubtedly, stood her out as that woman with the proverbial "Midas Touch".

Just yesterday Wednesday, 7th July, 2021, the Senate via her legislative diligence passed the Bill to Repeal an Act that established Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron and Reenact a bill for the establishment of University of Maritime Studies, Oron(UMSO) and other Matters related therewith.

According to Punch Online dated 7th July, 2021, the Senate on a Wednesday passed a bill to upgrade the Maritime Academy, Oron in Akwa Ibom State into a full-fledged University of Maritime Studies. This followed the presentation and consideration of two separate reports by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.

The Special Assistant (Press) to President of the Senate, Ezrel Tabiowo, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘Senate upgrades Maritime Academy to University… passes bill to establish ICT Institute, receives report on MDAs oversight.’

According to the statement, “Senator Sandy Onor (PDP, Cross River Central), in a presentation on behalf of the Committee’s Chairman, Ahmad Babba Kaita (APC, Katsina North), said upgrading the Academy into a university would help Nigeria in achieving the prerequisites of the International Maritime Organization convention on standard of training, certification and watch-keeping for seafarers.

Senator Onor said, the university will afford students the opportunity to specialise in international shipping and waterways transportation, port operations, management as well as exploitation and exploration of oil and gas as a boost for Nigeria’s economy. He further observed that, Nigeria presently records losses in the maritime sector, a development which, according to him, was largely due to deficits in manpower and seafarers. That, it's for the expansion of coastline with waterways for a viable coastal and inland water transport industry.” He said the lawmaker added that the upgrade of the Maritime Academy into a university would benefit host communities in the South-South geopolitical zone and Nigeria as a whole.

In this, honestly, it is most gratifying to be associated with your epoch-achieving feat in the upper legislative chamber. Honestly, I am extremely excited for this great feat. I admire this woman courage, her dexterity and determination towards achieving this great feat. Initially, when the journey began, it was like a mountainous task. Infact, looking at the challenges therein, it looked very impossible and so difficult, but today, you've arrived safely and successully.

Without mincing words, I am making bold to say that, our Senator is living up to the expectations of her constituents, and I'll ever remain worthy partner in this progress solely committed to the mission called "Better Deal".

My earnest prayer for her is that Almighty God should continue to uphold and strengthen our most effective spokeswoman, grant her the wisdom and courage for more effective service to her people as well as give her the financial muscles to enable her fast tract the process of concurrent in the lower House and subsequently assented by the President.

Once more, congratulations, our most distinguished, for this historic feat.

© Babson Eduno

15/06/2021

11/06/2021

Mid-Term Scorecard...

17/05/2021

True Version of Effective Representation...

01/05/2021

WELCOME TO THE MONTH OF MAY

28/04/2021

SPEECH BY SENATOR AKON EYAKENYI PhD, AT A PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARITIME STUDIES, ORON AND OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH (REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT BILL) 2020 (SB.265).

Protocol.

1. INTRODUCTION
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Stakeholders, it is with great delight that I welcome all of you to this public hearing on the Bill which seeks to upgrade the Maritime Academy of Nigeria to a University of Maritime Studies, the major aim is to revolutionizing the state of maritime education in Nigeria.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO REPEAL THE MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA, ACT AND TO ESTABLISH THE UNIVERSITY OF MARITIME STUDIES, ORON AND RELATED MATTERS, is being sponsored by my humble self to address the state of maritime education and bring it at par with what is obtainable in other climes.

2. MARITIME TRADE & TRAINING
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished stakeholders, Maritime sector is the life blood of the world economy, as such, a very important sector to us as a nation, it is the major form of transportation for goods globally. Maritime activities impact on all sectors of the country; be it trade and commerce, labour & employment, Finance, tourism, education, medicine, and many more.
Despite the huge benefits associated to maritime business, it is sad to know that 95% of ships and vessels that dock in Nigeria waters are owned by foreigners and also manned by foreigners; may I remind us that by law, boats that operates in Nigeria should be fully, or partially owned by Nigerians and manned by Nigerians, however, we lack the finance and technical personnel to undertake this responsibility.

This underscores the need for us as a nation to look inward in the training of our maritime personnel. It is well known that there is shortage of seafarers in the world today. Countries that supply high number of seafarers like Philippines, China, Indonesia, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and India earn good money from the industry. Nigeria needs to join this club by producing well trained and certified seafarers.

3. MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA.
Nautical College of Nigeria, Oron was established in 1977 by the then Military Government through an Executive Act No. 172. The mandate was to educate and train shipboard officers and ratings and to organize short based management courses for personnel of the maritime industry. The college commenced operation in 1979 with two departments: Nautical Science Department and Department of Marine engineering.
Subsequently, the College metamorphosed to Maritime Academy of Nigeria by the promulgation of Decree No. 16 of 1988 which is now enshrined as cap M3 Laws of the Federation, 2004.
The functions of the Academy as stated in section 3 of the Act are as follows:
i. To admit and train the various levels of personnel required for running and operating ships of the merchant navy,
ii. To train technical manpower for marine engineering, workshops, piloting and navigation, marine insurance, hydrography and other related services,
iii. To provide such other forms of instructions as the academy may from time to time decide to undertake.
The Academy was designed as an integrated institution primarily to meet the requirements of International Maritime Organization and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The Academy in addition to training the nation’s Merchant Navy Officers, also has the mandate to certify Nigerian Seafarers in line with the provisions of Merchant Shipping Act, 1962 and the IMO Convention on Standards, Certification and Watch-keeping (STWC) 1995 for seafarers.
The Academy is the foremost Maritime Institution in Nigeria and has graduated to date over 5000 Merchant Navy Officers, Ratings and others for both shipboard and shore-based operations. It is the only institution in Nigeria with the mandate and requisite facilities to conduct test and examination of certificate of competency for seafarers.

The drawback of the Academy is that the Academy was designed to produce technicians or low-level personnel which was our need in as at 1977, but we now need more than technicians at this era. The academy produces cadets that need further trainings to qualify as officers in the industry. The road to captain a vessel is very long for any Nigerian trained seafarer, while many other African countries produce officers.

4. UPGRADE:
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Colleagues, dear Stakeholders, Ladies and Gentlemen, the desire to upgrade our Maritime Academy into a degree awarding institution has been emphasized since 1995. While other countries that mooted the idea much later after us have long executed it, we are still at contemplating stage. Many Ministers for Transports have consistently asked for this upgrade.

In 2013, Following International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) approval for the upgrade, the sum of 2 Billion Naira was approved by the Federal Government to upgrade the school facilities in preparation to becoming a University. Further effort was made in 2015, when the federal government issued an executive order for the upgrade of the university.
5. The Bill: (The objectives of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron shall be as stated in Section 2(a)-(j) of the Bill).

The Bill essentially seeks to upgrade the pioneer maritime school in Nigeria to a University by repealing the law establishing the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Cap M3 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 and establish in its stead the University of Maritime Studies, a specialized school with broader scope of studies

Nigeria needs indigenous and better trained personnel to manage our maritime sector. The upgrade of the Academy into a University would go a long way in solving the acute shortage of well-trained personnel in the maritime industry. As a university, the school will give more opportunities for greater number of students and stimulate research and study of maritime field in Nigeria. with the creativity and ingenuity of our younger once, Nigeria will build her boats, vessels and Warship in the near future.
It is important to note that the school has the requisite land mass. The present management has done a lot to upgrade the facilities to meet the demand for modern library, infrastructure, equipment and everything requires to operate as a university.

6. CONCLUSON
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Colleagues and stakeholders, we have an obligation to reposition the school in other to maximize the potentials of our maritime sector like other countries. We are too import sensitive, that is why we send our nationals abroad for trainings at the expense of our economy, the country sincerely needs this Bill for an Act to establish the University of Maritime Studies, Oron and other related matters.
I therefore urge you all to support the Bill.
Thank you.