The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that the Bakassi Deep Seaport will reposition Nigeria as a competitive maritime and logistics hub.
The minister disclosed this when he presented the Certificate of Compliance for the Bakassi Deep Seaport to the governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, in Abuja.
In a press statement by the Special Adviser to the minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a strategic national asset that aligned squarely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He, however, pledged that the federal government would continue to support Cross River State to ensure the successful delivery of the port.
The minister lauded Governor Otu’s commitment and pace in driving the project.
“This project has the capacity to significantly boost livelihoods, create jobs and expand economic opportunities not only for Cross River State but for Nigeria as a whole,” Dr Oyetola said.
He added that the Federal Government remained committed to sustained collaboration with the state government and private sector partners to bring the project to fruition.
The presentation followed the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
In his remarks after receiving the certificate, Governor Otu applauded the federal government for its support, describing the moment as historic and a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards unlocking the full potential of the marine and blue economy.
He emphasised that Cross River State was strategically positioned to play a leading role in Nigeria’s maritime development, drawing parallels with countries such as Brazil and other coastal nations with robust maritime economies.
“Receiving this certificate is a significant boost that brings balance and momentum to our pursuit. I am confident that with the professionalism, diligence and commitment of the ministry and private sector players, we are firmly on track with the deep seaport project.”
The governor also commended President Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and for appointing Dr Oyetola as minister, describing both decisions as timely and critical to the sector’s growth.
Also speaking, the director-general of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh, described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a game-changer for Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem. He said the project would serve as a new maritime gateway for the country’s North-Central and North-East regions while positioning Nigeria as a major logistics hub for West and Central Africa.
