Fed Govt backs Bakassi Deep Seaport as Oyetola issues compliance certificate

The Bakassi Deep Seaport has achieved a major regulatory milestone as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, presented the project’s Certificate of Compliance to Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, following recent approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The presentation, which took place in Abuja, signals fresh momentum for the deep seaport project and reinforces the federal government’s commitment to expanding the country’s maritime infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Presenting the certificate, Oyetola described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a strategic national asset capable of repositioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime and logistics hub. He assured that the federal government would continue to support Cross River State to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

“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.

He also commended Otu for what he described as the commitment and pace at which the state government is driving the project, adding that sustained collaboration between the federal government, the state, and private sector partners would be critical to bringing the port to fruition.

The minister linked the project directly to the administration’s broader economic and infrastructure reform agenda, noting that deep seaports remain central to Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading maritime and logistics hub in Africa.

Receiving the certificate, Otu described the moment as historic, calling it a major milestone in Nigeria’s effort to unlock the full potential of the marine and blue economy.

“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,” he said.

The governor said Cross River State is strategically positioned to play a leading role in Nigeria’s maritime development, drawing comparisons with Brazil and other coastal nations that have successfully leveraged maritime assets to drive economic growth.

He also commended the president for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and for appointing Oyetola as minister, describing both decisions as timely and critical to the growth of the sector.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh, described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a game-changer for Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.

According to him, the project would open a new maritime gateway for the country’s North-Central and North-East regions, while strengthening Nigeria’s position as a major logistics hub for West and Central Africa.

The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to complement existing port infrastructure, decongest major gateways and support the Federal Government’s drive to expand trade, boost revenue and deepen participation in the blue economy.

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