September 20, (THEWILL) – In a significant move to advance the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, major stakeholders have formally endorsed their commitment to supporting and overseeing the realisation of the project.
Key stakeholders who pledged their dedication to the project include representatives from the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Others are the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and leaders of the local community.
To underscore their commitment to the project, they signed a Statement of Endorsement, individually, officially recognising them as Bakassi Deep Seaport Brand Ambassadors, thereby solidifying their united backing for the project.
Following the signing ceremony, Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the project, which is based on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Governor Otu described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a “bold and courageous statement of collective aspiration” for the people of Cross River, underscoring its pivotal role in bolstering the state’s economic prosperity.
“The realisation of this project remains a paramount goal of my administration,” Governor Otu declared, emphasising the significance of transparency and active involvement of stakeholders.
He emphasised that 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 organisations.
Governor Otu 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 Cross River 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.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
