The Surveyor General of Cross River State, Surv. Patrick Bassey, alongside the Senior Special Adviser on International Cooperation and Investment, Rev. Victor Edet; the Special Adviser on Projects, Programmes, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Raphael Morphy; and the Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, visited Bakassi on Saturday, February 8th, to supervise and monitor the ongoing hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical survey of the Bakassi Deep Seaport NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Speaking during the visit, Surveyor General Patrick Bassey stated that their mission was to witness firsthand the biometric, hydrometric, hydrographic, and geophysical-geotechnical survey of the deep seaport, a landmark project spearheaded by Governor Bassey Otu. According to him, the project is set to become one of Nigeria’s largest seaports, positioning Bakassi as a major maritime trading hub in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa.
He further highlighted that the port is expected to have a draft depth ranging from 17.5 to 21 meters, making it the primary maritime gateway in Eastern Nigeria.
On his part, the Senior Special Adviser on International Cooperation and Investment, Rev. Victor Edet, emphasized the port’s strategic location, noting that it shares maritime boundaries with three countries—Cameroon, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Equatorial Guinea. He described the initiative as a revolutionary maritime corridor backed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and called on Cross Riverians to embrace the new era of economic opportunities.
Rev. Edet further noted that the future they had long anticipated is now here. He assured that a team of professionals, alongside military personnel from the Nigerian Navy, is on standby to conduct the survey over a period of 95 days.
Expressing his gratitude, Rev. Edet thanked Governor Otu, members of the state executive council, and Cross Riverians for their unwavering support. He also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he credited for his commitment to ensuring the project’s success. Rev. Edet further assured that their next visit to the site—scheduled for later this year—would be for the foundation-laying ceremony, with the project expected to be completed and commissioned within 24 months.
Similarly, Raphael Morphy, the Special Adviser on Projects, Programmes, Monitoring, and Evaluation, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the survey. He described the project as a massive undertaking that will not only benefit the South-South and South-East regions but also have significant economic implications for the entire country. He noted that with its strategic location, shared borders with neighboring African nations, and deep-water capabilities, the Bakassi Deep Seaport will generate employment opportunities and foster economic growth.
Morphy commended Governor Otu for his visionary leadership, stating that Cross Riverians are fortunate to have a leader who is proactive and committed to bringing generational change.
Meanwhile, Akiba, the Special Adviser on General Duties, described the project as a fulfillment of Governor Otu’s campaign promises. Reflecting on the governor’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends, he remarked, “I remember during the campaigns when the governor assured the people that they were coming to bring real development. What we are witnessing today is the realization of that deep vision.”
Also speaking, Lt. Commodore Izu Nzechi, representing the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Eastern Naval Command, reaffirmed the Navy’s full support for the project. He assured that the force would provide adequate security and collaborate with the state government and technical team to ensure the successful completion of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
