Uyo — The Akwa Ibom State government has granted the Nigeria Navy a N365 million waiver, which was supposed to be the cost of land on which it is constructing the Jubilee Barracks in Ikot Abasi.

Governor Godswill Akpabio disclosed this yesterday when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, paid him a courtesy visit.

"We would give a waiver of N365 million for the land around the sea port and issue a certificate of occupancy to the Nigerian Navy. We must embrace the men in uniform because they risk their lives to protect us. So, I congratulate the Navy for their proper training and all the security agencies in the state for securing the state," he said.

The governor also promised to provide patrol boats to the Nigerian Navy for security on the waterways.

He said the Federal Government has approved over 14,000 hectares for servicing companies around Ibaka seaport, which would serve as an economic hub to the state.

He said the government is prepared to develop every part of the state.

Earlier, Vice Admiral Ezeoba, said his visit was to forge a partnership between the Navy and Akwa Ibom government.

He called on the state government to assist the Navy to erect permanent structures in order to carry out its duties effectively.