Bakassi Deep seaport: We won't allow bureaucracy slow it down, Says Minister Oyetola

From Abdul SULE (Abuja)

Minister of Marine &Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has assured Cross River State Gov, Sen. Bassey Otu, that he would not allow bureaucracy slow down the actualisation of the Bakassi Deep seaport project.

Speaking when Cross River State Gov, Sen. Bassey Otu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Wednesday, Oyetola noted that the natural depth of the seaport, which the Cross River government put at between 17 to 21 metre deep, would reduce the cost of capital dredging.

The minister further said: "Once the Deep seaport comes up, it will place Nigeria as the hub of trans-shipment in the African region. "Because of the low drought of our major seaports, most large containers that are meant for Nigeria are diverted to other African countries.

"So, I see the project as a welcome development and I assure you that we will drive the project as fast as you want, and I assure you, bureaucracy will not have a way here," the minister added.

On his part, Governor Otu said he was at the ministry to seek the collaboration of the minister to see to the fruition of the Bakassi Deep seaport project, under a public -private partnership model.

He noted that the project was part of the State's strategic integrated infrastructure plan to promote and facilitate trade around that corridor, with a view to stimulating the Cross River State economy in particular and that of Nigeria in general.

While commending the minister for laying a solid foundation in the ministry, Senator Otu noted that with the private sector background of the minister, he was not in doubt about the success of the Bakassi Deep seaport project.

The minister was joined by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, to receive the Cross River State Governor's delegation.