Marine Club of  Nigeria, an association of professionals, practitioners and stakeholders in the Maritime economy is seeking the allocation of a section of the Port Harcourt water front for the establishment of a maritime free trade zone.
President of the club, Dr Chinedu J. Ogbuagwu said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Dr Ogbuagu said that, the club which was founded in Port Harcourt in 2003 has a large membership of distinguished men and women from all parts of the country involved in the industrial sector and sub-sector of the Nigerian Maritime Economy.
He said that the club has also impacted immensely on the businesses of its members and the general maritime economy of Nigeria through its various programmes and activities since inception.
The association president said that the club is offering its patronship to the state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and commended the governor for the improved security in the state.
According to him “though we were discouraged out of Port Harcourt in 2006 by acute militancy, we are today encouraged by the improved security in Rivers State under your watch to return to Port Harcourt.
“We would develop the water front land seek as free trade zone with our national headquarters and marine facilities for our operational mother vessel MV MCN he said.
Ogbuagwu said that the return to Port Harcourt and partnership with the state governor, will mean return to vigorous pursuit of our original vision of Port Harcourt as the maritime economy hub of Nigeria and West Coast of Africa.”
He further noted that increased maritime activities as well as a cooperative Rivers State Government will lead to increased maritime economy, safety and security more importantly, as the economy of Rivers State is up to 80 % maritime in nature,” adding that increased activities in the sector will rapidly create employment and wealth in the state, which as he put it, would mean greater well being across board for Rivers people.