By Patrick Obia
The National Deputy Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ben Akak, has described the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a historic milestone that could transform Cross River State’s economy and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Engr. Akak, in a statement following the groundbreaking ceremony, said the project represented an important opportunity for Cross River State to reclaim its position in regional commerce, attract investments and harness its maritime potential.
He noted that the state’s strategic coastal location and maritime heritage placed it in a favorable position to benefit from the development of the deep seaport.
Akak said the project goes beyond the construction of a port, as it is expected to stimulate economic activities across several sectors, including trade, logistics, manufacturing, fishing, tourism and other maritime-related businesses.
The one-time governorship aspirant in Cross River, highlighted the deepsea port potential to create employment opportunities, promote skills development and encourage entrepreneurship among young people in the state.
The APC chieftain commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support for the project, while appreciating Vice-President Kashim Shettima for representing the President at the groundbreaking ceremony.
He acknowledged Governor Bassey Otu’s efforts towards actualizing the project, alongside the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigerian Ports Authority, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and other stakeholders.
READ: Federal Government Flags Off $3.5bn Bakassi Deep Seaport
Akak stressed that the project should be viewed beyond political considerations, describing it as an economic opportunity that deserves the collective support of Cross Riverians irrespective of political affiliations.
“As the National Deputy Treasurer of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and most importantly, as a son of Cross River State, I see this development beyond political considerations. It is an opportunity for economic transformation that deserves the collective support of all Cross Riverians irrespective of political affiliation,” he stated.
However, he maintained that the success of the project should not be measured solely by its completion but by its ability to translate into employment, improved livelihoods, business opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
The businessman called for deliberate efforts to ensure that Cross River indigenes are adequately prepared to participate in the construction and eventual operations of the port, as well as benefit from the economic activities expected to emerge around the facility.
He emphasized the need for environmental sustainability, transparency and effective project implementation to ensure that the seaport delivers its promised benefits.
The Odukpani-born politician expressed that the Bakassi Deep Seaport should become a lasting economic legacy for Cross River State and Nigeria rather than merely another infrastructure project.
He urged Cross Riverians to support the initiative, noting that the collective responsibility of stakeholders was to ensure that the prospects surrounding the project translated into tangible benefits for present and future generations.
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