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The Cross River State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an American firm, Terradyn Corporation of Ohio for funding of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and Superhighway.
Following earlier discrepancies in the projects, the MoU will rekindle hope for the commencement, as both parties agreed that the development would boost the projects.
A statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor, Christian Ita disclosed that while signing the MOU at the Governor’s Office in Calabar, Governor Ben Ayade said when completed, the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport would facilitate maritime and shipping activities in the African sub-region.
Describing the port as a regional African port and the deepest port in Africa, he stressed that the Bakassi Deep Seaport was not only geared towards opening an alternative maritime corridor for Nigeria, but also designed to ease shipping and maritime activities in neighbouring African countries.
He disclosed that the Republic of Chad was already disposed to having a bonded warehouse within the precincts of the Bakassi Deep Sea port.
Ayade said the 274kilometre Superhighway linking Cross River with the Northern part of the country was conceived with the Bakassi Deep seaport in mind.
He assured of his administration and federal government’s commitment to ensuring that the port comes to fruition.
“It takes at least 15 years to obtain an Outline Business Case (OBC) approval for the construction of a seaport but it took Cross River only three years. This shows strong will and commitment by the Federal Government to support the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
“The Bakassi Deep Seaport is not a Cross River Port. It is not a Nigerian port. It is indeed a regional African port. It will serve Africa.”
Speaking, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Terradyn, Brent Dyke commended governor Ayade for his foresight in conceptualising the project.
He described Nigeria as a fortunate country blessed with abundant natural resources, saying, “The Bakassi Deep Seaport will gulp well over $2 billion.”
