As part of an effort to strengthen community cooperation and safeguard port infrastructure and assets, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has called on the new Board of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) to revive the Calabar Port, enabling business to thrive.

The monarch made the call when the chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator Adebayo Adeyeye, and other members paid him homage at his palace in Calabar.

The Obong, who expressed delight with the calibre of people in the new board, also expressed confidence that they will bring their wealth of experience to bear to ensure that the Calabar Port comes alive again.

He maintained that the issue of dredging the Calabar Port channel was long overdue, adding that, as the oldest port in Nigeria, urgent action is needed to make the port functional again.

Earlier, the chairman of the NPA Board, Senator Adeyeye Adebayo, expressed appreciation to the Obong of Calabar, whom he noted has been instrumental in maintaining peace, harmony, and progress within the host communities and their environs.

According to him, the visit is part of an official tour of the Calabar Port, which remains a vital national asset and historic gateway to trade and industry.