In a bid to strengthen the State’s position in Nigeria’s emerging maritime and blue economy landscape, the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on Thursday declared open a 2-day Upskilling Programme for stakeholders in the sector at the State Library Complex, Calabar.
In his keynote address, Governor Otu, represented by his deputy Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described the event as a timely intervention to build capacity and unlock economic opportunities in the state. He recalled that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was established in August 2023 and that Nigeria was re-admitted into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in 2025, after a 14-year absence- a feat he attributed to the vision and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toward economic diversification.
Citing NBS data, Rt. Hon. Odey noted that Nigeria’s maritime sector contributed N113.59 trillion to the national GDP in Q3 2025, and referenced NIMASA’s valuation of the country’s untapped blue economy resources at about $296 billion, calling the sector “the giant of the non-oil economy.” He added that inspired by the President’s efforts, his administration created the Cross River State Blue Economy Agency in 2024 to harness the state’s marine ecosystem, open new revenue streams, and align with the Federal Government’s sustainable blue economy strategy.
He highlighted ongoing interventions in the state’s maritime sector, including progress on the Bakassi Deep Seaport, the distribution of over 100 motorized fishing boats in 2024, renovation of the Marina Resort, planned upgrade of the Calas Vegas Resort, and revitalization of the KADA Cinema waterfront. Odey emphasized that upgrading skills is vital in an era driven by rapid advances in science, technology, and AI, describing the programme as a valuable platform for stakeholders to gain relevant knowledge and build the capacity needed to compete globally.
“This programme goes beyond a mere talk-shop,” he said. “Our target is to produce a skilled maritime workforce capable of taking up global opportunities.”
He announced that the training-being the first of its kind under his administration-will become a routine feature in the state’s human capital development agenda in line with the “People First” mantra, and encouraged all participants to put the knowledge they acquire into practice and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the state’s blue economy.
Delivering the welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Barr. Melodie Lebo, described the initiative as the start of a new era where the state’s rivers, coastline, and aquatic resources become engines of growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. She lauded the Federal Ministry for Nigeria’s re-entry into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after 14 years-a milestone she called “a bold global statement” highlighting the nation’s return to the center of maritime decision-making.
Barr. Lebo emphasized that this achievement opens doors for Cross River State to fully harness its marine resources and build a competitive, globally relevant maritime sector. She noted that the programme aims to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to maximize the state’s blue economy potential, while further strengthening partnerships between federal and state authorities to drive sustainable growth.
Earlier in his remarks, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, acknowledged Cross River State’s consistent support for national efforts in developing the marine and blue economy, highlighting its strategic coastal position and significant ecological and economic assets.
Prof. Fakinlede noted that these initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu GCFR’s agenda on food security, economic diversification, youth empowerment, and sustainable marine resource utilization. He further emphasized that Cross River State, as a coastal leader, has the highest commercial fisheries output among Nigeria’s coastal states, jokingly adding that Cross River should be tagged the “fish basket of the nation.”
The World Bank Team Lead also stressed that developing the blue economy is vital to the overall growth of the region and the nation, welcoming collaboration with federal and state authorities and other partners. He assured that the World Bank would mobilize funds to support the success of this programme.
The event featured a special presentation by Prof. Francis Nwosu, Dean of the Faculty of Oceanography, University of Calabar, titled: “Unlocking the Potential of a Sustainable Blue Economy for Nigeria: Cross River State in Focus.”
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
December 11, 2025
