From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Cross River State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest to transform the state into a maritime hub with the official presentation of the Hydrographic, Geotechnical, geophysical Report and New Navigational Chart for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project.

Out, who spoke at a formal ceremony held in the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, described the event as a “historic milestone” that not only affirms Nigeria’s maritime boundaries but also sets the stage for an economic revolution across the Gulf of Guinea.

“This is truly a historic day, not just for Cross River State but for the entire country,” Governor Otu said.

“What we have achieved today replaces charts dating back to 1903 and settles long-standing debates about Cross River’s status as a littoral state. This chart clearly affirms our coastal status.”

Otu emphasized that the updated maritime chart now aligns with S-100 international standards, positioning Cross River for deepwater commerce and international shipping operations.

“When we connect this with the ongoing coastal highway, we’re looking at a completely different city,” he said. “The economic potential is enormous.”

Otu acknowledged the foundational work of former NDDC Chairman Professor Eyo Etim Nyong, describing the seaport project as a dream revived and revitalized.

“We picked up this dream where the former governor, Professor Ben Ayade left off. Public funds had been committed, and we could not allow it to die. Today is another giant step toward its full realization,” he said.

With the technical phase complete and the report formally presented, Governor Otu disclosed that the project now awaits a final seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“Once we get that FEC seal, work starts almost immediately,” he assured. “Cross River is ready, and this project is not just for us, it is for Nigeria and for West Africa.”

The presentation was led by Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, alongside senior naval officers including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Rear Admiral Anyo Olokunle.

Rear Admiral Olugbode described the report as the culmination of an intensive multi-year effort, beginning with a formal flag-off on December 21, 2024, and followed by rigorous data acquisition starting January 6, 2025. The survey, he said, covered hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical dimensions, all aimed at ensuring safety, precision, and international compliance.

“This is more than just a technical report. It is the bedrock for constructing and operating the Bakassi Deep Seaport,” he said. “It provides essential data for engineering design, dredging, breakwater construction, and navigation safety.”

He added that the data would boost investor confidence, enable effective ocean governance, and contribute to global initiatives such as Seabed 2030, a project that aims to map the entire seafloor of the world by 2030.

Olugbode also praised the Cross River State Government for its unwavering support.

“Your Excellency, your administration’s commitment and facilitation of logistics created an enabling environment for the success of this complex operation,” he noted.

The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to catalyze investments in shipping, logistics, trade and tourism, while creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.

By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us.”

Tinubu stated this while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

The President proposed creating a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Tinubu also announced that he would offer full scholarships to students from the OECS to promote cultural understanding, further strengthening the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean states.

The Nigerian leader, who delivered his address in the presence of leaders from the OECS, emphasised the deep historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and the OECS and called for greater people-to-people engagement.

The leaders of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin and Saint Vincent were in the audience.

Tinubu declared Nigeria’s openness to visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders and urged reciprocal gestures to facilitate smoother official travel and closer institutional cooperation.

Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman was quoted as saying: “I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with OECS and Caribbean nations, anchored in shared African heritage and Pan-African ideals.

On economic diplomacy and trade, President Tinubu offered OECS access to Africa’s largest market and called for joint ventures and deeper commercial ties.

He advocated enhanced trade and investment partnerships, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and services that would position Nigeria as a supplier and destination for OECS exports.

Tinubu proposed a maritime university collaboration and extended Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS countries.

He emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to provide skilled education, healthcare, and engineering professionals to support regional capacity-building.

Recognising the existential climate threats facing small island states, Tinubu called for joint research on adaptation strategies, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and climate-induced migration.

Reiterating Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, Tinubu emphasised the cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and the diaspora, as well as its enduring role in global Black solidarity.

While calling for unity, Tinubu quoted Marcus Garvey and an African proverb.

 “Likewise, an African proverb teaches us: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage,” he said.

By David Torough, Abuja 

A Zamfara-based civil society group has hailed the former Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for his foresight in initiating the Zamfara Cargo Airport project.

The Zamfara Good Governance Group (ZGG), in a statement issued on Monday, praised Matawalle’s leadership, describing the cargo airport as a “strategic and transformative initiative” aimed at unlocking the state’s economic potential.

Chairman of the group, Aminu Kabiru Tsafe, said the airport project was designed to attract foreign direct investment into critical sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

“Dr Matawalle awarded the project at N11.8 billion, with N7 billion already paid,and the construction has reached 60 percent completion before he left office, showcasing his fiscal discipline and developmental drive,” Tsafe said.

He noted that the former governor’s broader vision was to position Zamfara as an economic hub, capable of creating job opportunities and lifting residents out of poverty.

ZGG also commended Matawalle’s security achievements, stating that his administration rescued over 1,200 kidnapped victims and recovered significant weaponry, all with limited resources.

However, the group expressed concern over the revocation and re-award of the cargo airport contract by the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal.

Tsafe accused Governor Lawal of inflating the project cost to N62.9 billion, and further to N90 billion in a revised budget, calling the move “unjustifiable and wasteful.

“It is important to remind the people of Zamfara and Nigerians that this is the same Dauda who, when coming into office, promised the people heaven and earth. He vowed not to touch the government’s coffers.

“But how come he inflated a project that was initially awarded at the cost of ₦11.8 billion to ₦60 billion? And that wasn’t enough—another variation of ₦30 billion has now brought the total to ₦90 billion.

“It is now left for the people to judge between Dr Matawalle and Dauda Lawal—who truly has the people’s interest at heart? Even an international airport would not require such a huge budget.

“Dauda clearly does not have the interest of Zamfara people at heart. We must tell ourselves the truth.”

He also remind the public that Lawal had promised the airport would be used for Hajj in 2023, a pledge that was never fulfilled.

ZGG criticised what it called Governor Lawal’s failure to build on the foundation laid by Matawalle, despite receiving significantly higher monthly allocations than his predecessor.

“Zamfara deserves better. We call for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources,” the group said.

The statement concluded by urging citizens to recognise and uphold the legacy of Dr Matawalle while demanding better performance from the current government.