The flag-off ceremony for the hydrographic survey of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port Area (BDSA) took place on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY Jetty in Calabar.
The survey, a pivotal step towards the Cross River State Government’s plan to construct a 20-meter-deep sea port at Bakassi, aims to enhance shipping activities in Nigeria’s eastern region.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Cross River State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu, the Chief of Naval Staff represented by Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, Hydrographer of the Federation Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, and representatives from AFREXIM and ARISE IIP. Also present were members of the state cabinet, industry stakeholders, the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo LGA, and other distinguished guests.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Surveyor General of Cross River State, followed by speeches from the Special Assistant on International Cooperation and Investment, the Hydrographer of the Federation, and the representative of the Chief of Naval Staff. Governor Otu, in his keynote address, underscored the significance of the project in bolstering regional maritime development.
Following the speeches, the Governor and his entourage toured hydrographic survey charts and equipment displayed at the venue. The official flag-off was conducted onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship LANA, signifying the commencement of the survey operations in the Bakassi Deep Sea Port Area.
The ceremony marked a milestone in Cross River State’s efforts to advance its maritime infrastructure and economic prospects.
