The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged to fast-track the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, assuring the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, that bureaucracy will not impede its progress.
Oyetola gave this assurance on Wednesday while receiving Governor Otu during a courtesy visit to his office. Highlighting the strategic importance of the seaport, the minister noted that its natural depth, estimated by the Cross River State government to be between 17 to 21 meters, would significantly reduce the costs associated with capital dredging.
“Once the Deep Seaport is operational, it will position Nigeria as the hub of trans-shipment in the African region,” Oyetola remarked. He emphasized the current challenge posed by the low draft of Nigeria’s major seaports, which often results in large container vessels being diverted to other African countries. “I see the Bakassi Deep Seaport project as a welcome development. We will drive the project as fast as you want, and I assure you, bureaucracy will not have a place here,” he added.
Governor Otu, in his remarks, expressed his desire for a strong collaboration with the ministry to ensure the successful realization of the seaport project, which will be executed under a public-private partnership model. He described the project as a key component of the State’s strategic integrated infrastructure plan aimed at boosting trade along the corridor and stimulating the economy of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
Commending the minister’s efforts in laying a solid foundation at the ministry, Senator Otu expressed confidence in Oyetola’s ability to drive the project to fruition, citing the minister’s private sector background as a key asset.
The minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, as he welcomed the Cross River State Governor’s delegation.
