Niger Delta Leaders Laud President Tinubu For Signing Nigeria Maritime University Act
LEADERS and stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.
In a letter of gratitude addressed to the President, High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on behalf of the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, the Council of Chiefs, and the people of the region, described the move as a “historic endorsement” that has brought renewed hope to the Niger Delta.
The Nigeria Maritime University, which was established in 2014, has operated for over a decade without full legal status. The absence of an enabling Act had hindered its full operationalization, limiting its potential to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime sector. The signing of the Bill into law, therefore, marks a major milestone in the development of maritime education in Nigeria.
“This magnanimous gesture symbolizes your goodwill towards the region and your unwavering commitment to the advancement of learning and development of its people,” the letter read. “For years, the university functioned on life support, gasping for the desired breath to stay alive. Your unexpected approval has brought euphoria to our people.”
The letter also highlighted that before now, Ghana was the only country in the West African subregion with a maritime university. With Nigeria now having its own, it is expected to bridge the knowledge gap and boost the nation’s capacity in the maritime industry.
Beyond education, the university is projected to create employment opportunities, curb youth restiveness, and drive development in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
“This milestone ratification will undoubtedly promote education not only among indigenes of the Niger Delta but across Nigeria, bridging the knowledge gap in the nation’s maritime sector,” the letter continued. “The university will not only bring development to our oil and gas communities but will also help in addressing youth restiveness by creating employment opportunities for our teeming youths.”
Tompolo, a former Niger Delta agitator and chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, reminded President Tinubu of his visit to Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, in November 2022, where he had promised to sign the Act into law once elected. With the fulfillment of this promise, the letter commended Tinubu’s commitment to the South-South region, urging the people to sustain the peace and rally behind the President for more developmental strides.
“Your signing of this Bill into law is a testament to your friendship and dedication to the growth and development of the South-South zone. It validates your mantra of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians,” the letter stated.
The establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University is expected to not only elevate Nigeria’s maritime education to international standards but also solidify the country’s position as a leading maritime nation in Africa.
