Governor Otu, NPA Move to Revive Calabar Port

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has pledged full collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority to revitalise the Calabar Port and advance the Bakassi Deep Seaport project. He said the state’s location made the partnership a natural fit with the potential to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth.

During a meeting with the NPA Governing Board, led by Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, Otu acknowledged challenges such as dredging and low vessel traffic at Calabar Port but expressed optimism that renewed commitment could restore its commercial viability. He said the Bakassi Deep Seaport had been planned around agriculture and export opportunities to ensure long-term success.

Adeyeye stated that Calabar Port is a vital national asset and revealed that dredging plans were in motion in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He highlighted priority areas for partnership, including improving infrastructure, boosting maritime security, promoting agricultural exports, and positioning Calabar as a cruise tourism hub.