Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has said that the Calabar Port and the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport will be transformed into major commercial hubs, leveraging the state’s strategic location and vast export opportunities.
Speaking in Calabar on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the NPA to revitalise Calabar Port and fast-track the deep seaport project.
He described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as “a long-term economic game changer” whose operations would be anchored on agriculture and other export-driven sectors. “Once operational, it will be a commercial success,” the governor assured.
Otu said the partnership between Cross River and the NPA was “a natural marriage” capable of delivering mutual benefits for the state and the nation. He urged greater investment in maritime infrastructure to bridge Nigeria’s gap with countries like South Africa and Brazil.
While acknowledging challenges at Calabar Port, including dredging constraints and low vessel patronage, Otu expressed optimism that renewed collaboration would restore its competitiveness.
In his remarks, Adeyeye described Calabar Port as a “vital national asset” with the capacity to serve the South-South, South-East, and North-Central regions. He disclosed that the NPA, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is finalising plans to dredge the Calabar channel to attract larger vessels.
The NPA chairman commended Cross River for sponsoring feasibility studies for the Bakassi Deep Seaport, which is awaiting Federal Executive Council approval, and listed priority actions including improved security, better road access, resolution of community disruptions, promotion of structured exports, and positioning Calabar as a cruise tourism destination.
“With stronger collaboration, Calabar Port can drive trade, tourism, industrialisation, and economic transformation,” Adeyeye said.
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