Cross River State Intensifies Drive for Bakassi Deep Seaport Project
Cross River State has significantly ramped up its efforts to unlock a maritime-driven economic transformation. The state government convened a high-level stakeholder sensitisation forum in Calabar on Thursday to mobilize support for the ambitious Bakassi Deep Seaport project. This flagship initiative is strategically designed to reposition Cross River as a major trade and logistics hub within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.
Strategic Vision and Implementation Roadmap
Speaking at the forum, Reverend Victor Edet, the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on International Donor and Investment, emphasized that the engagement was crucial for assessing progress, aligning stakeholder expectations, and charting a clear implementation roadmap. He explained that the state's development strategy is anchored on a "transitional transformation" philosophy, supported by a proposed Vision 2050 framework aimed at driving long-term economic growth and improving living standards.
Edet highlighted the timeliness of the project, noting that over 80 percent of global trade is maritime-based. He stressed that shifting global economic dynamics make it imperative for Cross River to position itself strategically. The Bakassi Deep Seaport, with an estimated depth of 18 metres, is engineered to accommodate large vessels directly, eliminate transshipment bottlenecks, and strengthen trade links with neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Infrastructure and Economic Projections
The project will be bolstered by a 275-kilometre evacuation corridor comprising road and rail infrastructure to facilitate the smooth movement of goods. It will leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to attract investment and boost regional trade. Dr Edwin Okon, Chairman of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service, expressed optimism that the project could be realised within five years, citing Federal Executive Council approval and growing investor interest.
He stated that the state is prepared to offer tax incentives and business-friendly policies to attract investors. Projections indicate that the seaport could generate up to ₦40 billion monthly in its early operational phase through direct and indirect economic activities, providing a substantial boost to the local and national economy.
Stakeholder Endorsements and Global Outreach
Dr Kelly Ayamba, President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCCIMA), described the project as ambitious and transformative. He announced plans to showcase it at an upcoming international trade fair in China to attract global investors. Chief Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, added that the seaport represents a "signature project" with the potential to stimulate economic growth across multiple sectors, including trade, agriculture, logistics, and employment.
Financial analyst and University of Calabar lecturer, Dr Joseph Nkiri, pointed out that global shipping disruptions present a unique opportunity for Nigeria to reposition itself. He urged stakeholders to support the initiative to maximise its economic benefits. Development expert Dr Bethel Ewung noted that the project would significantly boost agro-processing and value addition, while Bishop Usen Umo of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria hailed it as a "game changer" capable of accelerating industrialisation in the state.
Collaboration and Policy Consistency
Other stakeholders, including public-private partnership experts and members of the organised private sector, underscored the importance of collaboration, policy consistency, and investor confidence in ensuring the successful delivery of the Bakassi Deep Seaport. The collective emphasis was on creating a conducive environment for investment and ensuring that the project aligns with broader economic goals.
This intensified drive marks a pivotal step towards realizing a project that promises to reshape Cross River's economic landscape, enhance regional trade connectivity, and foster sustainable development through strategic maritime infrastructure.
