The Governor Bassey Otu-led administration in Cross River State has pledged to partner with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to unlock the economic potential of Calabar Port and fast-track the development of the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.

Speaking in Calabar, while receiving the Governing Board of the NPA, led by its Chairman, Adedayo Adeyeye, on a courtesy visit, Otu said the state’s strategic location made partnership with the Ports Authority “a natural marriage” capable of delivering benefits not only to Cross River but to Nigeria as a whole.

“I welcome you, Mr Chairman, and members of your board, on behalf of all Cross Riverians, to your maiden visit to our state. You were right to have chosen Cross River for your inaugural meeting,” the governor said.

“God has placed us in a position that aligns naturally with the NPA. We must build this friendship and collaboration so that our state and our country benefit.”

The governor noted that Nigeria’s economy had suffered from years of underinvestment in port infrastructure, citing the gap between the country and its peers, such as South Africa and Brazil, in marine trade. He emphasised that increasing maritime capacity was crucial to enhancing national trade volumes and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

On the Calabar Port, Otu acknowledged long-standing issues, such as dredging and low vessel traffic, expressing optimism that with renewed commitment, the facility could regain its commercial viability.

He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, which is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership.

Otu said: “We have taken time to study the commercial viability of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and anchored it around agriculture and other export potentials. By the time the port becomes operational, it will be a commercial success.”