Bakassi Deep Seaport Groundbreaking Marks New Phase in Nigeria’s Maritime Strategy

The federal government has officially commenced the construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, a project described by President Bola Tinubu as a vital step toward diversifying Nigeria’s economy. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, November 13, 2026, the President emphasized that the port is intended to serve as a national economic asset rather than a localized project.

Project Scope and Technical Specifications

The Bakassi Deep Seaport is designed with a 20-metre draft, a depth intended to accommodate large-scale vessels that currently bypass Nigerian ports due to depth limitations. The project is supported by a planned 260-kilometre superhighway, which officials state will facilitate the inland movement of cargo. According to the source, the project is being executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, with initial funding approvals reaching approximately $2.27 billion, alongside broader efforts to secure a $3.5 billion financing arrangement with Afreximbank.

Addressing Maritime Congestion

A central theme of the administration’s messaging is the need to reduce reliance on the Lagos port complex, which currently handles over 80 percent of Nigeria’s foreign trade. President Tinubu stated that the Bakassi port is not intended to compete with Lagos, but rather to complement it. By establishing a second major maritime gateway, the government aims to reduce port congestion, lower logistics costs, and improve Nigeria’s competitive standing within the Gulf of Guinea.

Historical Context and Development

The vision for the port dates back to 2014, with initial environmental assessments conducted in 2015. Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State noted that the project faced significant administrative, legal, and environmental hurdles over the past decade. Recent progress was bolstered by updated navigational charts released by the federal government in October 2026, which the state government says clarified its littoral status and supported the project’s viability.

Economic Outlook and Blue Economy Initiatives

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola highlighted that the Bakassi project aligns with the ministry’s broader objectives to modernize Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. The Minister reported that the sector has seen significant growth, citing an increase in revenue from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.83 trillion in 2025. These gains were attributed to improved revenue assurance and the elimination of piracy in Nigerian waters.

Governor Otu indicated that the state is preparing its workforce for the project through specialized training programs in construction and operations. The state government is also promoting the port as part of a larger economic corridor that includes an airport and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Conclusion

The groundbreaking of the Bakassi Deep Seaport represents a long-term effort to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity. While the project faces the challenge of long-term implementation, the federal and state governments have positioned it as a cornerstone for future industrialization, job creation, and regional trade integration in the South-South region.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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