Cross River State has stepped up efforts to unlock a maritime-driven economic transformation as the government on Thursday convened a high-level stakeholder sensitisation forum in Calabar to mobilise support for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project.
The proposed project, described as a flagship initiative, is aimed at repositioning the state as a major trade and logistics hub within Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

Speaking at the forum, the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Donor and Investment, Reverend Victor Edet, said the engagement was designed to assess progress, align stakeholder expectations, and chart a clear implementation roadmap for the project.
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 noted that the project is timely, given that over 80 per cent of global trade is maritime-based, adding that shifting global economic dynamics make it imperative for Cross River to position itself strategically.

He further disclosed that the Bakassi Deep Seaport, with an estimated depth of 18 metres, is designed to accommodate large vessels directly, eliminate transshipment bottlenecks, and strengthen trade links with neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
According to him, the project will also be supported by a 275-kilometre evacuation corridor comprising road and rail infrastructure to facilitate the smooth movement of goods, while leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to attract investment and boost regional trade.
The Chairman of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service, Dr Edwin Okon, expressed optimism that the project could be realised within five years, citing Federal Executive Council approval and growing investor interest.

He said the state is prepared to offer tax incentives and business-friendly policies to attract investors, projecting that the seaport could generate up to ₦40 billion monthly in its early operational phase through direct and indirect economic activities.
President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCCIMA), Dr Kelly Ayamba, described the project as ambitious and transformative, adding that it would be showcased at an upcoming international trade fair in China to attract global investors.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Ekpenyong Akiba, said 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, noted that global shipping disruptions present an opportunity for Nigeria to reposition itself, urging stakeholders to support the initiative to maximise its economic benefits.
Development expert Dr Bethel Ewung said the project would boost agro-processing and value addition, while Bishop Usen Umo of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria described it as a “game changer” capable of accelerating industrialisation in the state.
Other stakeholders, including public-private partnership experts and members of the organised private sector, also underscored the importance of collaboration, policy consistency, and investor confidence in ensuring the successful delivery of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.