Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu has restated his administration’s plan to position the state as a key player in Nigeria’s growing blue economy. He made this known during the official launch of a World Bank–supported upskilling programme aimed at helping residents gain modern skills needed in the maritime sector. The opening ceremony, held at the State Library Complex in Calabar, drew participants from across the maritime value chain.
Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, described the initiative as “a landmark opportunity for our young people to acquire the advanced technical skills needed to unlock the vast marine resources of Cross River State.” He explained that Cross River, which has one of the longest coastlines in the country, is well positioned to benefit from the national shift toward developing the blue economy. According to him, “this initiative reflects our administration’s unyielding commitment to transforming our water-based assets into engines of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development. The time has come for Cross River to take its rightful place in the maritime sector.”
The Governor pointed to the growing contributions of Nigeria’s maritime and marine economy, saying the sector added ₦113.5 trillion to the country’s GDP in the third quarter of 2025. He also referenced projections from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA predicting that the nation’s blue economy potential could surpass $296 billion. “With figures like these,” he said, “we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. Cross River must lead from the front.”
Otu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing major maritime infrastructure, especially the Bakassi Deep Seaport. He revealed that a $3.5 billion investment has already been secured and that the project is awaiting presidential approval for the groundbreaking. “We are ready,” he assured partners, adding that the state will keep working with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure that waterways, ports, fisheries and logistics platforms deliver strong economic benefits.
The launch event highlighted cooperation among government institutions, development partners and academic stakeholders. Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the World Bank and the University of Calabar took part, reflecting a joint effort to build capacity within the sector.
Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, praised Cross River State for consistently supporting national goals for a sustainable blue economy. “Cross River has always been a strategic leader,” he said. “Its rich biodiversity and coastal heritage place it at the heart of Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions.” He added that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on food security, youth empowerment, economic diversification and responsible use of marine resources. With humour, he suggested that Cross River State “should be regarded as the fish basket of the nation,” citing its strong fisheries production.
The World Bank Team Lead, Morales Yolanda, stressed the importance of the blue economy in expanding economic opportunities across coastal areas. She assured stakeholders that the World Bank is committed to working closely with all levels of government. “The World Bank stands ready to collaborate closely with federal and state governments,” she said. “We will mobilise funding, technical expertise and strategic partnerships to ensure the success of this programme.”
A technical presentation delivered by Prof. Francis Nwosu, Dean of the Faculty of Oceanography at the University of Calabar, gave participants a detailed look at the state’s economic and ecological strengths. His paper, titled “Unlocking the Potential of a Sustainable Blue Economy for Nigeria: Cross River State in Focus,” explained how the state can benefit from global shifts toward sustainable marine practices.
Speaking after the workshop session, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Miss Melodie Lebo, said the training is designed to equip participants with 21st-century skills that meet international standards. She defined the blue economy as “the sustainable use of our marine and water resources for the development of our people,” noting that it covers shipping, port operations, marine logistics, fisheries, aquaculture, climate change and coastal tourism.
According to her, participants will form the skilled workforce needed in the maritime sector. “The archaic way of doing things is gone; we are aligning with global standards. After the training, they will be fully equipped with modern competencies.”
Lebo added that the programme provides pathways to jobs, internships and collaborations with the World Bank. She mentioned that this is just the first phase of a broader plan to build capacity across the state.
She also confirmed that certificates issued at the end of the programme will be internationally recognised. “This is a globally benchmarked programme,” she said. “Our partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy guarantees that participants will receive credentials accepted anywhere in the world.”
She further highlighted the strong involvement of the Federal Government, noting the presence of senior officials at the launch. “The Federal Government is fully involved,” she said. “This programme signals the beginning of a more coordinated and transformative pathway for marine and blue economy development in Cross River State.”
