Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has expressed confidence as essential stakeholders have formally endorsed their commitment to supporting and overseeing the realization of the Bakassi Deep Seaport project in the state.
He said the collaboration is a significant effort that advances the project with these crucial stakeholders and would eliminate hindrances and propel the project towards fruition.
Major stakeholders who pledged their dedication to the project are Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), and Nigeria Port Authority (NPA).
Others are the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Customs, the Nigerian Shippers Council, and the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and leaders of the local community.
The governor reportedly reiterated his administration’s “Unwavering commitment to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, as the Bakassi Deep Seaport is a bold and courageous statement of collective aspiration for the people of Cross River, underscoring our pivotal role in bolstering the state’s economic prosperity.
“The realization of this project remains a paramount goal of my administration and emphasizes the significance of transparency and active involvement of stakeholders. The engagement with stakeholders and the endorsement signing ceremony are aimed at facilitating dialogue among key entities such as regulators, security agencies, investors, community leaders, and civil society organizations”, he added.
A notable highlight of the event was the signing of the Statement of Endorsement, individually, by the stakeholders and officially recognising them as Bakassi Deep Seaport Brand Ambassadors, thereby solidifying their united backing for the project.
He also expressed confidence that the collaboration with these crucial stakeholders would eliminate any hindrances and propel the project towards fruition.
“Viewed as a potentially transformative initiative for the state, the Bakassi Deep Seaport is anticipated to substantially enhance trade and economic activities in the region, generating employment opportunities and fostering new business prospects.
“We are prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders to actualize this project. You can rely on my steadfast support,” the Governor assured.
The Obong of Calabar, represented at the event by Etubom Architect Bassey Eyo Ndem, also tacitly endorsed the project.
Encouraging remarks were respectively conveyed by the Vice President of Afrexim Bank, Zitto Alfayo, Vice President of ARISE IIP, Suren Abeywickrema, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, on behalf of the Minister. The Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, and those of the Chief of Naval Staff and the Comptroller General of Customs, among others.
The engagement was widely commended as a pivotal stride in advancing the project, with all stakeholders expressing confidence in the state government’s capacity to deliver on its commitments.
