Regulatory vacuum threatens A’Ibom’s maritime economy
More than 6,208 maritime service companies operating along Akwa Ibom’s coastline are reportedly functioning without a centralised state regulatory framework, raising fresh concerns over the absence of a dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy.
Stakeholders in the maritime and energy sectors said the lack of such a ministry is undermining effective governance of one of the state’s most strategic economic assets, despite Akwa Ibom’s vast coastal advantage and expanding maritime investments.