Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu inaugurated a ferry service on Tuesday, linking the state’s capital, Calabar, with Limbe in the Republic of Cameroon. Through his Deputy, Peter Odey, Governor Otu emphasized the state’s commitment to harnessing the potential of the blue economy for economic prosperity.
- He reiterated the significance of the maritime sector as a vital contributor to the state’s development, stating, “The blue economy is an area we won’t take for granted.”
Operated by Sea Express Transit Limited, a private company, the ferry service not only facilitates travel between Calabar and Limbe but also establishes a route connecting Calabar to Oron in Akwa Ibom. Governor Otu pledged to foster a business-friendly environment in partnership with Sea Express Transit Limited and the state’s Ministry of Transportation, ensuring a safe and efficient launch of the ferry service in Cross River State.
Thompson Eja, CEO of Sea Express Transit Ltd., commended the Cross River Government for its support in fostering private sector growth. He announced that the ferry service would commence operations with three ferries, with one dedicated to the Calabar to Limbe route and the other two serving the Calabar to Oron route. Eja highlighted the service’s potential to address transportation challenges for agricultural goods, such as cocoa, from Cross River, and forecasted the creation of at least 2,000 jobs within the next three to four years.
The introduction of the ferry service marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity and leveraging maritime resources for economic development in Cross River State.
IMAGE: Prompt News
