Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, met in Abuja to discuss enhancing security for economic growth along Cross River’s coastal regions, particularly around the Bakassi Peninsula, which borders Cameroon.
The talks emphasised strengthening collaboration to ensure security and boost economic activity, especially around the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.
During his address at the Naval Headquarters, Governor Otu highlighted the presence of key naval establishments in Calabar, including the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory and the Naval War College, advocating for a stronger naval presence along the Nigeria-Cameroon maritime border to address security gaps in Bakassi, where the Nigerian side remains under-protected.
Governor Otu underscored the significance of obtaining naval assistance for coastal investments, port development, and safeguarding national oil assets and platforms within the state.
The meeting further stressed the necessity for cooperation to generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth in the state, ensure regional stability in the Bakassi coastal area, and foster collaboration with Cameroon to address mutual security challenges crucial for realizing the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.
In response, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, pledged the Nigerian Navy’s cooperation with the Cross River State Government to initiate bathymetric surveys of the new Bakassi Islands within Nigeria’s territory to drive economic prosperity as requested by the Governor. He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the visit and reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to ensuring a robust naval presence, particularly along the coastal areas, border regions, and the vicinity of the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.
The State government clarified that the Bathymetric/ Seafloor mapping, imaging, and survey provide precise data that enhances navigation and dredging operations, while also supporting various land projects. It further explained that bathymetric surveys are valuable for Dock and Harbour Engineering, Flood Management and Prevention, River Maintenance, Irrigation, and Water Power.
Source: The Nation
