Nigeria Begins Feasibility Studies For Construction of Bakassi Deep Seaport

The governor of Nigeria cross river state, Bassey Otu has announced works for the construction of the deep Seaport in the disputed Bakassi peninsula is ongoing.

“As we speak, work is going on there on a daily basis. Basically, what is being done now is the hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical survey for the proposed Deep Seaport Integrated Project.” Governor Otu told some Nigerian journalists at the Media parley in Calabar on Tuesday.

“The survey is essential to ensuring the port’s structural integrity and functionality, as it will generate data crucial to the project’s design and execution.” he added.

The Bakassi deap Seaport project will be entirely funded without taking a loan, Governor Otu revealed.

The Nigerian press quoted the governor stating that project “would change the economic landscape of the state and that of the country at large.”

The Bakassi deep Seaport costs an estimated 3.5 billion US dollars (about 2.1 trillion in FCFA).

Investors who are determined to see the realisation of the project will provide this money. Afreximbank will collect the money.

According to the Guardian, the governor said that all that was required of the state was to carry out all the preliminary works needed for the actual construction work to commence.

The seaport, it added, quoting the governor, however will change the economic fortune of the state. It will be the best, and the groundbreaking ceremony will come soon.

“Otu noted that his administration was in a hurry to transform the state, adding that every sector of the state’s economy would be attended to under his watch.” 

Bakassi Disputed Territory

In 2008, Nigeria ceded the territory of Bakassi to Cameroon through a court settlement.

It is said the area also holds abundant oil resources.

Though Cameroon controls following the signing of the Greentree accord, Nigeria still lay claims to the land.

Activities of the Nigerian pirates are rampant in the area. They are currently holding hostage the Divisional Officer of Idabato Subdivision in the Ndian Division of Southwest region.