By Onwa Ekor
The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, Rear Admiral, Ayo Olugbode, has presented the hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical survey report, as well as the new navigational chart, for the Bakassi Deep Seaport to the Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu.
Presenting the reports at the State Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office, Calabar, Olugbode explained that the survey report represents a significant milestone to not just the state but Nigeria, as it transforms uncertainty into precise knowledge.
He noted that “the report brings potential into tangible plans, paves way for self and efficient development of the Bakassi Deep Seaport which is a game changer for Cross River and the entire Nigerian economy and would boost trade, create jobs while unlocking maritime corridors.”
Accompanied by the outgoing Flag Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwade and other team members during the report presentation, the Hydrographer remarked that the survey would empower the seaport construction and operations visibility as the data remains essential for the blueprint of the engineering design.
He pointed out that among the benefits of the survey was the provision of foundation for engineering and construction designs while ensuring that it cuts across all global standards so required.
“This survey will inform dredging when and where required, optional berth placement, clean water designs and channel alignment.
“Accurate depth information is critical for determining the maximum draft of ships or vessels that the top can accommodate, directly impacting on a commercial visibility and its competitiveness as a destination of choice,” Olugbode said.
The Hydrographic Agency, during the report presentation also recommended that a world class dredging company with proven record be used for the construction of the port.
It called for the establishment of channel management regime to help monitor the channel and hazards to navigation.
While advocating a periodic survey of the area, it recommended regular hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling for the proposed deep seaport, including the use of pile foundation for the proposed port construction.
Other recommendation Olugbode mentioned was, detailed environmental impact assessment to be conducted immediately in the area to monitor ecosystem balance and mitigate any action that would cause environmental degradation within the area.
On challenges faced, the CEO National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, said issues of health, safety and environment had posed a threat resulting in some significant downtime leading to an extension of its initial 90 days survey period.
He informed that, “consistent efforts were made to overcome the challenges and contingency plans provided us crucial lessons which we have incorporated for future planning considerations.”
Receiving the report, the governor commended the level of professionalism displayed by the Nigerian Navy team especially in its bid to join Cross River to replace a chart that has been since 1903.
According to Otu, “this particular chart takes care of the argument whether we are a littoral or non littoral state and finally it will rest.
Continuing, the governor said ” because by this map, I have looked at the chart, the fairway boy and the international boundary and it is very clear, no body can say Cross h River is not a littoral state.
He affirmed that the studies of the chart surrounding the proposed port so produced, would tremendously change the state and the nation’s flanks.
Otu further applauded his predecessor and former governor, Senator Ben Ayade, for conceiving the Deep Seaport project.
“He started and took it to a point and we came and look at it and knowing that public money has been invested and we can’t allow it to waste, we decided to take the project to a fruitful completion.
“Today, is a right step in the right direction, all we are waiting for now is the Federal Executive Council seal, the moment that is done, work starts,” Otu disclosed.
The event featured exchange of gifts and watching of video clips showing the journey through the survey report.
