The Bakassi Deep Seaport has been set on the path to take-off following the presentation of its Certificate of Compliance by Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State.
The certificate was handed over on Wednesday when Governor Otu paid a visit to the minister at his office in Abuja, marking a major milestone in the implementation of the deep seaport project.
Presenting the certificate, Oyetola described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a strategic national asset that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the effort to reposition Nigeria as a competitive maritime and logistics hub.
In a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the minister assured that the Federal Government would continue to support Cross River State to ensure the successful delivery of the port.
Oyetola also lauded Governor Otu’s commitment and the pace at which the state government is driving the project, noting that it holds significant potential to stimulate economic growth.
“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,” the minister said.
He added that the Federal Government remains committed to sustained collaboration with the state government and private sector partners.
The presentation followed the recent approval of the Bakassi Deep Seaport by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
In his remarks, Governor Otu commended the Federal Government for its support, describing the presentation of the certificate as historic and a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards unlocking the full potential of the marine and blue economy.
He said Cross River State is strategically positioned to play a leading role in Nigeria’s maritime development, drawing parallels with Brazil and other coastal nations with strong maritime economies.
Read also: FG moves to close 3.6m metric ton fish consumption gap as local output hits 1.4m in 2025
“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,” Otu stated.
The governor also lauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and for appointing Oyetola as minister, describing both decisions as timely and critical to the growth of the sector.
Also speaking, Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), 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 North-Central and North-East regions, while positioning Nigeria as a major logistics hub for West and Central Africa.
