A renowned and prominent Maritime and International Cargo Operator, “Bolloré-PowerChina Consortium” has emerged as the preferred bidder for realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport Project (IDSP) located at Ibaka in Mbo local council of Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Aviation, Mr. Akan Okon disclosed this in his office over the weekend while interacting with Journalists in Uyo, AkwaIbom State Capital.
Okon noted that the selection followed a painstaking and rigorous evaluation process conducted by the Evaluation Committee convened by the IDSP Ministerial Project Development and Steering Committee (MPDSC).
He added that the Committee followed the best International accepted process to finally arrive at the selection of Chinese Engineering Company- Bollore.
The Commissioner further added that negotiation with the preferred bidder would commence immediately so as to ensure that the Deep Sea Port starts operation as soon as possible
“In accordance with due process, in the presence of all the bidders, the ICRC and invited press, thereafter, rigorous evaluation of the bids was conducted in line with international best practice, Bolloré–PowerChina Consortium was selected as the Preferred Bidder and China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.
“The next stage is negotiation with the Preferred Bidder which will be conducted in compliance with all extant rules stipulated by the IDSP Ministerial Project Development and Steering Committee (MPDSC).
“Negotiation with the Public Private Partnership (PPP) procurement process of Ibom Deep Seaport project with the preferred bidder will be with the view to work out the investment and concession details.” He said
Okon who appreciated all those involved in the realisation of the project for their commitment and supports explained that the seaport when completed would drive economic development and create employment to teeming unemployed youths in the country.
However, the Commissioner who is also in charge of aviation said the Maintenance and Repair Overhaul Component of the Akwa Ibom Airport will soon be completed.
He attributed the delay in the realisation of the MRO Component to lack of funds and dismissed the purported report that the delay was as a result of lack of support by the Director of Airworthiness, Engr. Ita Awak.
According to him, “Lack of funds has been the major issue delaying the completion of the MRO. Ita Awak has been giving his support towards the MRO, he even led a team from NCAA to come for inspection in the MRO.
“We have been working together and by virtue of his position as director of airworthiness and as a son of AkwaIbom, he has been giving his support.”
He said that such non-support report to the state government credited to the Airworthiness boss, Ita Awak must have been done out of context, noting that what is paramount is the development of the state and the people.
“You don’t play politics with development, Ita Awak is from this state and what ever is developed in the state is for the people of the state. ” He said.
