Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has described the groundbreaking of the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a landmark economic development for Cross River State and Nigeria, declaring that even if Governor Bassey Edet Otu fails to build a single classroom, the seaport project alone will earn him a place in history.
Shettima made the remarks while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State.
He described the project as an economic initiative with historical, emotional and long-term developmental significance, adding that generations yet unborn would appreciate the efforts behind its actualisation.
“If Governor Bassey Edet Otu fails to build one classroom, this edifice here will write his name in gold because generations yet unborn will thank him immensely,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima Describes Bakassi Deep Seaport as an Economic Game Changer
The Vice President said the project would create new economic opportunities for Cross River State and Nigeria, particularly through maritime trade, shipping, tourism, fishing, shipbuilding and other related industries.
He urged Cross Riverians, especially residents of Bakassi, to embrace the project and protect the opportunity it represents for the future of the area.
Shettima also called for unity and peace, noting that Cross River State’s natural environment and economic potential could support its emergence as a major contributor to Nigeria’s development.
According to him, the seaport is more than a political project, describing it as an example of good governance and an important step towards economic diversification.
Shettima Defends Development of Additional Seaports in Nigeria
Addressing concerns and rumours that some interests in Western Nigeria were opposed to the establishment of another major seaport outside Lagos, Shettima argued that Nigeria could not depend on a single maritime gateway for its economic growth.
He noted that Lagos handles a significant proportion of Nigeria’s incoming goods, describing the concentration of maritime activity in one location as a limitation rather than a national strength.
The Vice President, who identified himself as a Lagosian, said the development of the Calabar maritime corridor would strengthen Nigeria’s economic capacity.
“Lagos alone controls over 80 per cent of incoming goods. That is not strength for Nigeria; it is a condition. I am a Lagosian, and if Lagos is working on its seaport, Nigeria works. But if Calabar Deep Seaport works, Nigeria walks on two legs,” he said.
Shettima also linked the project to the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Bakassi Deep Seaport to Create Jobs Across Multiple Sectors
The Vice President highlighted the employment opportunities expected from the project, listing truck drivers, engineers, shipbuilders, hoteliers, market women and customs officers among potential beneficiaries.
He described the seaport as a major economic resource from which communities and businesses across the state could benefit.
Using a local illustration, Shettima said the project would be like a big yam that everyone around could eat from, emphasising its potential to support widespread economic participation.
He also recalled the historical challenges faced by the people of Bakassi, including the loss of the peninsula, and encouraged them to embrace the new opportunities emerging from the maritime project.
Governor Otu Highlights Steps Towards Actualising the Seaport
In his remarks, Governor Bassey Edet Otu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment towards the actualisation of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
The Governor acknowledged the Federal Government’s role in facilitating the processes leading to the project, including the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy and other necessary approvals.
Otu described the seaport as a major opportunity for economic diversification, industrial development and increased revenue generation in Cross River State.
He recalled that the history of maritime activities in the area dates back to the nineteenth century, when palm produce and other commodities formed part of its commercial activities.
The Governor explained that several technical and administrative processes had been undertaken before the project reached the groundbreaking stage. These included environmental assessments, hydrographic studies and geographical surveys.
He also referenced the Federal Executive Council’s approval of an initial budget of ₦2.27 billion as part of the process towards advancing the project.
Governor Says Seaport Will Transform Cross River’s Economic Outlook
Governor Otu said the Bakassi Deep Seaport would position Cross River State to compete more effectively in Nigeria’s maritime and industrial sectors.
He identified tourism, fishing, shipping, trade and shipbuilding as some of the areas expected to benefit from the development.
The Governor further highlighted developments relating to the state’s maritime chart, stating that the Federal Government had retired the old 1903 chart on October 1, 2026, and introduced a new one, which he said had implications for the seaport project.
The technical and regulatory developments, according to the Governor, have helped advance the state’s ambition of establishing a modern deep seaport.
Tinubu’s Administration Reaffirms Support for Bakassi Deep Seaport
Representing President Tinubu, Shettima acknowledged the importance of the project to the people of Cross River State and the country’s broader economic development agenda.
He urged residents to focus on initiatives that promote peace, unity and shared prosperity, describing the groundbreaking as the beginning of a new economic opportunity for Bakassi and the surrounding communities.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone in Cross River State’s efforts to revive its maritime potential and establish the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a major driver of trade, investment, employment and industrial growth.
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