Nigeria’s push to unlock the economic potential of its marine resources received a boost as the Federal Government formally advanced the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, following the presentation of a certificate of compliance to the Cross River State Government.

The certificate was presented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, after the project secured approval from the Federal Executive Council. The development signals a key regulatory milestone for the seaport, which is central to the Federal Government’s blue economy strategy.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a strategic national asset that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the project is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive maritime and logistics hub within the region.

The minister assured the Cross River State Government of continued federal backing to ensure the successful delivery of the seaport, while commending Governor Otu for what he described as strong commitment and steady progress on the project.

According to Oyetola, the seaport has the potential to stimulate job creation, improve livelihoods, and unlock new economic opportunities for both Cross River State and the wider Nigerian economy. He added that sustained collaboration between the Federal Government, the state, and private sector partners would be critical to bringing the project to completion.

Governor Otu, in his response, welcomed the Federal Government’s support, describing the approval and certification as historic and a major step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to fully harness the marine and blue economy. He said Cross River State is well positioned to play a leading role in maritime development, given its coastal advantage and proximity to key international shipping routes.

L-R: The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, Minister of Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. | Princess Etuk.
The governor expressed confidence that the project would move forward successfully, citing what he described as the professionalism and diligence of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as the involvement of private sector stakeholders. He also praised President Tinubu for establishing the ministry and appointing Oyetola as its pioneer minister, noting that both decisions were timely and critical to the sector’s long-term growth.

The Bakassi Deep Seaport is a key component of the Federal Government’s broader plan to expand Nigeria’s port infrastructure, ease congestion at existing ports in Lagos, and diversify the economy through maritime and blue economy development. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve as a major cargo and logistics hub for Nigeria’s eastern corridor, while also supporting trade flows to landlocked areas in the North-Central and North-East.

The project has gained renewed momentum following the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which was established to unlock value across shipping, ports, fisheries, and coastal resources. The ministry is also expected to play a central role in attracting private investment, boosting trade and employment, and strengthening regional economic integration through improved maritime infrastructure.