Connect with us

Headlines

Ayade celebrates as President Buhari approves Bakassi Deep Sea Port

Published

on

Calabar Port comes alive with berthing of first large vessel in three years

 

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari over the official approval for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port.

Ayade spoke with State House correspondents after a private meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that the Bakassi Deep Port, started by his administration, would be of immense economic benefit to the state and Nigeria in general.

Ayade said that the Super Highway, which he initiated, would provide a link between the North and Bakassi Deep Sea Port and boost transportation of farm produce.

“Every one of you should thank President Muhammadu Buhari for me; thank the Transport Minister; thank the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority; thank the permanent secretary, Ministry of Transport, thank the Minister of Finance for the approval of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port.

“We have got the official approval for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port Outline Business Case, which means that the Nigerian government has now officially recognised the Bakassi Deep Sea Port and has given us the impetus to go for the full business case.

“The Bakassi Deep Sea Port is the only port in Nigeria that has an evacuation corridor; so, you have a port in Bakassi with a six-lane super highway taking you direct to Northern Nigeria.

“So, what Cross River State is trying to do is take the Atlantic Ocean closer to Northern Nigeria; the whole idea is that the Northern part of Nigeria particularly, the North-east and North-west cannot see the desired prosperity unless they get access to the deep sea port.

“Otherwise, the wonderful sesame seed we have in Borno and Yobe states lie prostrate; the solid minerals we have in the North-east is lying waste because you cannot travel 2000km to a seaport carrying such materials on road; so definitely the Super Highway will shorten all of that.”

Ayade said that the Super Highway and the Deep Sea Port were supposed to be federal government’s project as they had potential to succeed.

The governor expressed optimism that the Super Highway and the Deep Sea Port would come into reality before he left office.

He said he was hopeful that the President, at the right time, “will come to my rescue if the Super Highway becomes difficult.” (THISDAY)

Facebook Comments
Advertisement
Comments