President Olusegun has directed that work on the construction of a Jetty for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State should commence.

To this effect, he has directed the Director-General of the National Maritime Authority to initiate action on the Jetty immediately.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Ufot Ekaette on Oron at the foundation lying ceremony of the simulator building of the academy which will cost over N400 million.

A statement from the SGF's press secretary, Eric Tenola yesterday said Chief Ekaette also flagged off the construction of the academy's internal road network, which will cost over N90 million saying President Obasanjo has a special interest in the Maritime Academy.

Chief Ekaette appealed to the government and people of Akwa-Ibom State to ensure that the academy excels in the attainment of its lofty objectives, by providing a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for teaching, learning and character development, in the best traditions of the maritime industry.

Ekaette explained that President Obasanjo decided to invest heavily on the academy in order to train Nigerians properly and to safeguard our National Security and Independence as well as derive maximum benefits from our trade and external relations across the seas.

He emphasised that in this situation of uncertainty, of dangers and opportunities, no nation that cares about its security would allow foreigners to run its maritime industry.

expressed joy that the quality of training in the academy has been upgraded to the highest international standards, especially with Nigeria's enlistments, in 2001 in the international maritime organisation's white list, which makes it mandatory for Nigeria to comply with the international convention on standard of training certification and watch keeping for seafarers.