Shettima Breaks Ground for $3.5 Billion Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River

The Federal Government has commenced the development of the $3.5 billion Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State as Nigeria seeks to expand its maritime infrastructure, improve cargo handling capacity and strengthen trade connectivity.

Vice President Kashim Shettima performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, November 13, 2026, making a significant step towards the execution of a project that has remained on the drawing board for more than a decade.

The proposed seaport will have a draft of 20 metres, positioning it to accommodate large cargo vessels and potentially compete for maritime traffic currently handled through other ports in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

According to the Cross River State Government, the development will be supported by a proposed 260-kilometre road designed to connect the port with inland markets and facilitate the movement of imported and exported goods.

The road infrastructure is expected to play a critical role in determining the project’s commercial viability, particularly as businesses increasingly consider transportation costs, turnaround times and access to distribution networks when selecting ports.

Governor Bassey Otu attributed the progress recorded on the project to the support of the Federal Government, while Shettima acknowledged the role of financing from the African Export-Import Bank in advancing its development, News About Nigeria reports.

The Bakassi Deep Seaport project was first proposed in 2014 but faced prolonged delays before renewed efforts to revive its implementation.

In December 2024, the Cross River State Government initiated a hydrographic survey with data collection commencing in January 2025 as part of preparations for the port’s development.

Although the groundbreaking represents progress, the project’s ability to attract shipping companies and logistics operators will depend on the timely completion of supporting infrastructure, competitive port charges and efficient cargo evacuation.

Nigeria’s existing ports have faced persistent challenges involving road congestion, logistics costs and delays in cargo movement, creating opportunities for alternative maritime facilities capable of providing more efficient access to domestic and regional markets.

However, the scale of the proposed investment also raises questions about execution timelines, financing arrangements and the commercial demand required to sustain operations once the facility becomes operational.

For investors and businesses, the project’s long-term economic value will ultimately be determined by its ability to translate infrastructure spending into measurable improvements in cargo throughput, transportation efficiency and regional trade.

The government has yet to announce a definitive completion date or provide a timeline for when the port is expected to begin commercial operations.