President Tinubu Celebrates Groundbreaking of Bakassi Seaport in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the start of construction for the Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, calling it a significant step for Nigeria’s economy. The event took place on Friday, November 13, 2026, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing the President.

Tinubu praised Governor Bassey Otu and the people of Cross River for their commitment to the project, which was first proposed in 2014. The port is designed to accommodate large ships that currently avoid Nigerian ports, and it will be linked to a major highway to help transport goods across the country.

The President noted that the project would not compete with Lagos, which handles most of Nigeria’s trade. Instead, he said it would help reduce congestion at Lagos ports and lower costs for businesses. He emphasized that Nigeria has not fully utilized its coastal resources, while other countries benefit from trade that could come to Nigeria.

In addition to job creation, Tinubu mentioned that the Bakassi Seaport would help Nigeria capture a larger share of regional trade. He acknowledged the past challenges faced by Cross River due to the loss of the Bakassi Peninsula but encouraged the community to view this project as a new beginning.

Governor Otu shared that the groundbreaking followed years of challenges and credited Tinubu’s support for reviving the project. He highlighted the seaport’s potential to enhance Cross River’s economy and attract investment in various sectors.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, also spoke at the event, praising the government’s efforts to improve Nigeria’s maritime sector. He noted that the Bakassi port would provide better access to markets and create new job opportunities, further supporting the region’s economic growth.