On a bustling Friday afternoon in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, a historic gathering took place that could reshape the economic landscape of Nigeria’s southeastern region. The Bakassi Deep Seaport project, a long-awaited initiative, received a significant boost as crucial stakeholders formally endorsed their commitment to its realization.
Governor Bassey Otu, flanked by representatives from national and international organizations, stood before a packed room of officials, investors, and community leaders. The air was thick with anticipation as the governor prepared to address the assembly.
Today marks a turning point for Cross River State,” Governor Otu began, his voice resonating with conviction. The Bakassi Deep Seaport is not just a project; it’s a bold and courageous statement of our collective aspiration.
The endorsement ceremony, which lasted for over three hours, saw representatives from Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Customs, Nigerian Shippers Council, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) pledge their support. Local community leaders and officials from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy also added their voices to the chorus of endorsement.
As each stakeholder stepped forward to sign the Statement of Endorsement, the room buzzed with excitement. Zitto Alfayo, Vice President of Afrexim Bank, was among the first to put pen to paper. This project has the potential to transform not just Cross River State, but the entire region,” Alfayo stated. Afrexim Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth across Africa.”
The significance of the event was not lost on the local community. Chief Edet Okon, a prominent Bakassi community leader, expressed cautious optimism. “We’ve heard promises before,” he said, his weathered face etched with both hope and skepticism. But this time, seeing all these important people come together, it feels different. We pray this will bring jobs and development to our people.”
Governor Otu, keenly aware of the community’s expectations, emphasized transparency and stakeholder involvement. “The realization of this project remains a paramount goal of my administration,” he declared. “We are committed to ensuring that every step of this process is open and inclusive.”
The Bakassi Deep Seaport project, operating on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, is expected to significantly boost trade and economic activities in the region. Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, Director General of the ICRC, highlighted the project’s potential impact. “A deep seaport in this location could revolutionize maritime trade along the West African coast,” he explained. It’s not just about Cross River State, it’s about enhancing Nigeria’s position in global trade.
As the signing ceremony concluded, stakeholders were officially recognized as Bakassi Deep Seaport Brand Ambassadors, a move aimed at solidifying their commitment to the project’s success. The atmosphere in the room was one of cautious optimism, with many attendees discussing the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Suren Abeywickrema, Vice President of ARISE IIP, spoke about the technical aspects of the project. “We’re looking at a state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate the largest vessels in the world,” he said. “This isn’t just about building a port; it’s about creating an ecosystem that supports trade, manufacturing, and logistics.”
The Nigerian Navy’s representative, Commodore Adebayo Oluwole, addressed security concerns. “The Navy is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of this vital national asset,” he assured the gathering. “We will work closely with other security agencies to create a secure environment for maritime trade.”
As the event drew to a close, Governor Otu took a moment to reflect on the road ahead. We are under no illusions about the challenges we face,” he admitted. “But with the support of these crucial stakeholders, I am confident we can overcome any obstacles and make the Bakassi Deep Seaport a reality.”
The endorsement ceremony marks a significant milestone in the project’s journey, but many hurdles remain. Environmental impact assessments, funding arrangements, and community engagement are just a few of the complex issues that will need to be addressed as the project moves forward.
The Bakassi Deep Seaport project has taken a crucial step forward with the endorsement of key stakeholders. While challenges remain, the united front presented at this ceremony suggests a renewed commitment to turning this ambitious vision into reality. As Cross River State looks to the future, all eyes will be on Bakassi, watching to see if this deep seaport can indeed become the economic game-changer that its proponents envision.
