The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has been urged to deplore better strategies to boost traffic to the Calabar Seaport for the socio-economic development of Cross River State in southern Nigeria.
The governor of the state, Senator Bassey Otu, who made the request when the Calabar Port Manager, Mr. Festus Olumati and his team paid him a visit, also urged the authority to dredge the channel so as to accommodate bigger vessels, attract more maritime investors including tourists.
Governor Otu said, “There was a time activities at the port were so dull that I wondered if we had a seaport at all. But, I am so happy we have made some in-roads in terms of addressing some of the issues and what the problems are. I am very happy with the traffic manager and what you have done so far. But, we need more from you.”
Leverage relationship
Otu further urged the NPA to leverage on the existing relationship between the state government, the Navy and other security agencies to draw more traffic to the facility.
He said, “We are doing our best in terms of security and I want to assure you that with the collaborative efforts of the navy and other security agencies in the state coupled with the fact that we are positioning a vessel at the estuary, these would help check piracy and other criminal activities.”
Continuing, the governor encouraged, “Do not relent in your marketing drive, but ensure you meet with the Chambers of Commerce and other relevant stakeholders on the need for a renewed drive to bring life back to the Port.
“We have an investment across the waterways, so we welcome any investor willing to dry dock or engage in other ports development that will boost economic activities around the area,” Otu said.
Dredging the channel
On the challenges hindering the successful dredging of the Calabar Port channel, the governor suggested, “it is important that the encumbrances hindering the dredging work be settled out of court for us to have a more active port. If it is in terms of offering concessions to cargo and ship owners, we will ensure that such is granted.
“We are fully aware of the enormous economic potential of the port and we will do our best to make it work so as to improve our economy through the generation of desired revenue for the country,” the governor assured.
He disclosed that the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was recently given a brief of the situation at the ports and the way forward proffered.
Aggressive Marketing
The Calabar Ports Manager, Mr. Festus Olumati informed the governor that the NPA was engaged in aggressive marketing of the port to exporters within the south-east and south-south regions.
“Prior to my taking over the Calabar Port, we were receiving four vessels monthly. But, today, through our aggressive marketing efforts, we now receive at least 16 vessels in a month,” he said.
“After six years, the Calabar Port has received 34,000 metric tonnes of the vessel with a total cargo tonnage of 42 metric tonnes. These have translated into an increase in revenue generation and cargo activities at the port thereby generating employment opportunities,” he added.
Dominica Nwabufo
