By Obinna Uballa
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has assured that both the Calabar Port and the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport will be positioned as thriving commercial hubs, leveraging the state’s strategic location and rich export potential.
Receiving the Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Calabar on Thursday, Otu said his administration was determined to work closely with the Authority to revive Calabar Port and accelerate the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, which he described as a long-term economic game changer.
“We have studied the commercial viability of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and anchored it on agriculture and other export-driven activities. Once operational, it will be a commercial success,” the governor said.
Otu, who welcomed the delegation led by NPA Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, said the state’s partnership with the Ports Authority was “a natural marriage” that could deliver mutual benefits for Cross River and Nigeria. He stressed the need to bridge the gap in maritime infrastructure between Nigeria and countries such as South Africa and Brazil, noting that underinvestment had limited growth in the sector.
While acknowledging persistent challenges at Calabar Port, including dredging constraints and low vessel patronage, Otu expressed optimism that renewed efforts would restore the port’s competitiveness.
In his remarks, Adeyeye described Calabar Port as a “vital national asset” with the capacity to serve multiple regions, from the South-South to the North-Central.
He disclosed that the NPA, working with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, was finalising plans to dredge the Calabar channel to improve access for larger vessels.
The NPA chairman commended Cross River for sponsoring feasibility studies for the Bakassi Deep Seaport, now awaiting Federal Executive Council approval, and outlined areas for joint action, including tackling community-related disruptions, upgrading road infrastructure, boosting security, promoting structured exports, and positioning Calabar as a cruise tourism destination.
“With stronger collaboration between the NPA and Cross River State, Calabar Port can become a driver of trade, tourism, industrial growth, and economic transformation,” Adeyeye said.
