Akwa Ibom to partner Indonesia on blue economy, others

Port Harcourt – The Akwa Ibom State government has brokered a partnership with the Republic of Indonesia for collaborations in the area of blue economy, electric vehicles, agriculture, aviation, infrastructure, education, technology and trade. The partnership was brokered when the state governor Umo Eno played host to the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria,

Usrah Hendra Harahap, who was on a courtesy visit to the Government House , Uyo.

Governor Eno commended the ambassador for the interest of his government in Nigeria and by extension, Akwa Ibom, expressing confidence that the interaction marks the beginning of a long lasting relationship between the Republic of Indonesia and a subnational in Nigeria.

He noted that with the current food crisis occasioned by the withdrawal of subsidy on petrol by the federal government, prioritizing agriculture, including the blue economy and other areas that would enhance food sufficiency has become necessary, hence the need to partner the Indonesian government who was already doing well in those areas.

"It is note worthy that agriculture contributes about 12.8percent of our GDP, employing about 47percent of the entire nation's workforce. So the global thing right now for us as a nation, particularly with the high cost of living associated with the removal of subsidy and other economic issues, is agriculture.

"Agriculture actually is on the front burner of our people right now and we know, like you also mentioned in your address, Indonesia has done very well in the area of agriculture. We'll like to partner with you," Gov Eno said.

He further expressed appreciation for the offer by the Indonesian Ambassador to support the operation of Ibom Air with a CN235 aircraft and assured that he will confer with the management of the airline over the proposal.