Blue economy drive strengthened with Bakassi Deep Seaport approval ~ FG
L-R: The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, Minister of Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. | Princess Etuk.
The Federal Government has boosted its blue economy initiative with the approval of the Bakassi Deep Seaport, as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, presented the project’s certificate of compliance to the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
In a statement signed by Oyetola’s Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, on Thursday, the minister described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a strategic national asset aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in efforts to position Nigeria as a competitive maritime and logistics hub.
He assured all that the Federal Government would continue to support Cross River State to ensure the successful delivery of the project, while commending Governor Otu for his commitment and the pace of work on the seaport.
“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,” Oyetola said, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to sustained collaboration with the state government and private sector partners to bring the project to fruition.
The presentation followed the recent Federal Executive Council approval of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
In his remarks after receiving the certificate, Otu praised the Federal Government for its support, describing the development as historic and a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to unlock the full potential of the marine and blue economy.
He said that Cross River State is strategically positioned to play a leading role in the country’s maritime development, drawing comparisons with Brazil and other coastal nations with strong maritime economies.
“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 said.
The governor also commended 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 sector’s growth.
The Bakassi Deep Seaport project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, decongest existing ports in Lagos, and diversify the economy through marine and blue economy development.
Conceived to leverage Cross River State’s coastal location and proximity to international shipping routes, the seaport is expected to serve as a major cargo and logistics hub for Nigeria’s eastern corridor and landlocked regions in the North-Central and North-East.
The project gained momentum following the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by Tinubu, aimed at unlocking value from shipping, ports, fisheries, and coastal resources, while attracting private investment and boosting trade, employment, and regional integration.
