Otu Reaffirms Support For Private Maritime Investment In Cross River

CALABAR – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting private maritime operators as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, improve port efficiency and attract investments into the sector.

The governor gave the assurance during an inspection of the Calabar Marina Business Hub, where he toured the newly introduced 100-seat high-speed catamaran, MV Odeluwa, described as Nigeria’s largest passenger ferry and the country’s first vessel dedicated to international passenger ferry services within the West African sub-region.

Speaking during the visit, Otu said private sector participation is crucial to achieving efficiency, competitiveness and sustainable growth in the maritime industry. He also reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to secure the state’s waterways and create an enabling environment for maritime investments.

According to him, Cross River’s coastal corridor remains a safe and attractive destination for both local and foreign investors, with the state’s strategic location offering significant opportunities for economic growth, regional trade and tourism.

The governor, accompanied by the Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, the Special Adviser on Blue Economy, Melodie Lebo, and other maritime stakeholders, described the investment as evidence of growing investor confidence in Cross River.

He commended the promoters of SeaExpress Transit for choosing the state as the base for the project despite having opportunities elsewhere.

“You could have invested anywhere else, but you chose your homeland. As a government, we owe you the necessary support to ensure this investment succeeds. We will continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” Otu said.

On security, the governor stressed that protecting lives, property and investments remains a core responsibility of government, adding that his administration has maintained a zero-tolerance stance against criminal activities through sustained investments in the state’s security architecture.

He also invited prospective investors to explore the commercial opportunities along Cross River’s waterways, particularly the Calabar-Cameroon trading corridor, describing the state’s blue economy as a key driver of commerce, transportation and regional integration.

Responding, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SeaExpress Transit, Dr. Thompson Eja, thanked the governor for the visit and for reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting investments.

He said the government’s assurance on security would further boost investor confidence and pledged the company’s readiness to work with the state government to expand maritime transportation services in the region.

The visit ended with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Governor Otu by SeaExpress Transit in recognition of his support for the maritime industry, underscoring the growing collaboration between the Cross River State Government and private investors in developing the state’s blue economy.