Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has requested that the Federal Government dredge the Calabar Port in order to attract investors, tourists, and increase revenue generation.
Otu made the call on Friday, when he met with Calabar Port Manager Festus Olumati and his team.
The governor stated that it was critical that the encumbrances impeding the port’s dredging work be resolved outside of court.
He directed the port’s management to capitalize on the existing synergy between the state government, the Navy, and other security agencies in order to increase traffic to the facility.
“We are fully aware of the port’s enormous economic potential, and we will do everything possible to make it work in order to improve our economy through the generation of desired revenue.”
“In terms of security, we are doing our best.
“I want to assure you that criminal activities will be checked with the collaborative efforts of the Navy and other security agencies in the state, as well as the positioning of a vessel at the estuary,” he said.
He urged port management not to relent in their marketing efforts and to meet with Chambers of Commerce and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the need to revitalize the port.
He stated that the state had investments along the waterways and would welcome any investor interested in dry docking or other port development ventures that would boost economic activity at the ports.
Olumati informed the governor that his team had not backed down from its aggressive marketing efforts, which had resulted in more cargo berthing at the port.
He stated that prior to his taking over control of the port’s affairs, it received four vessels monthly, but that they now receive no less than 16 vessels per month.
“The Calabar Port has received 34,000 metric tonnes of vessel with a total cargo tonnage of 42 metric tonnes after six years.”
“These have translated into an increase in both revenue generation and cargo activities in the port, thereby generating employment opportunities,” the manager explained.
