Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade has called on the Federal Government to urgently dredge the Calabar Ports Channel to accommodate large vessels, increase maritime business and create employment for our teeming youths.
The call was made at the loading of a 7000-metric ton capacity vessel by Starlink Global and Ideal Limited, the leading Cocoa Exporter in Nigeria, from the Calabar Ports.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Barr. Rosemary Archibong, who spoke on behalf of the Governor regretted that in the decision to revamp the Warri Port, Calabar was not considered.
She lauded the Initiative of Starlink but added that if the Port is dredged, more and larger vessels would be received in the Port, resulting in enhanced economic growth, youth engagement, enhanced livelihood and reduction of criminal activities.
The Commissioner posited that the State’s vast landmass, rich soil types and the agricultural revolution posture of Gov Ayade, position the State for the production of varied exportable commodities.
“Again, the adoption of Calabar as the Municipal Capital of the Gulf of Guinea in Nigeria and Nigeria’s participation in the ACFTA agreement translates to increased volume of trade and exports within the subregion. It was in consideration of these factors that the clairvoyant Governor of Cross River State embarked on his signature projects of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port and its corresponding evacuation Super Highway corridor. Indeed more Ports are needed in the country,” the Commissioner said, adding that the gridlock and hazards experienced by exporters because of the perennial congestion at the Lagos Ports beg for other viable alternatives.
She however enthused that the event of the day was a clear demonstration that the Calabar Port is alive and functional while calling on Cross Riveriens to take advantage and engage in export trade.
Present at the event were the Chief Executive Officer of NEXIM, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, Executive Director, Nigerian Exports Promotion Council, Mr Segun Awolowo, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mrs Hadiza Bala Usman, represented by the Ports Manager, Calabar Ports; the Ag. Managing Director, Ecomarine Terminal, the Managing Director Starlink Global & Ideal Ltd, Mr Mustafa Adeyemi, Executive Director NEXIM, Stella Okotete as well as the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
