A traditional ruler in Calabar South Local Government Area, Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon Etim Ewa I, has called for the public release of the report by the House of Representatives Committees on Ports, Harbours and Waterways, and Public Procurement, concerning the $56 million contract awarded in 2006 for the dredging of the Calabar Port Channel.
Speaking on the sidelines of a presentation during a study tour by the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Calabar Area Office, the monarch highlighted the long-standing delays and lack of clarity surrounding the project.
He recalled that in 2016, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted a motion sponsored by Daniel Effiong Asuquo, representing Cross River under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), calling for an investigation into the status of the dredging contract, which was yet to be completed despite multiple awards and payments. The monarch noted that, to date, the findings of the parliamentary investigation have not been made public.
According to proceedings from the House, the original contract was awarded in 1996 for ₦3 billion and subsequently re-awarded in 2006 for $56 million, then equivalent to approximately ₦11 billion. In 2014, an additional contract was awarded for ₦20 billion, with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and Calabar Channel Management all parties to the agreement. The project was intended to dredge the port to a depth of 9.8 metres, but this target was reportedly not met despite full payment of the contract sum.
Asuquo had informed parliament that the contractor appeared to have abandoned the project, resulting in prolonged delays. He argued that this has deprived the South-South, South-East and North-Central regions of potential economic benefits.
Ewa further stated that the prolonged delays have reduced revenue for port authorities and associated agencies, hindered economic activity in the region, and deterred investment.
The inability to accommodate larger vessels has led to a diversion of cargo to alternative ports, undermining the potential of Calabar Port to contribute more significantly to regional development.
He called for a comprehensive review of the contract process, urging authorities to investigate whether the company awarded the contract possessed the required capacity and equipment to execute the dredging. He suggested that, if contractual or procurement breaches are established, the contract should be terminated, the company debarred from future government projects, and held financially accountable.
The traditional ruler also acknowledged recent federal initiatives under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, including progress on the Bakassi Deep Seaport and plans to upgrade Calabar Port. He expressed appreciation for the administration’s efforts, noting that these developments align with the broader goals of the Renewed Hope agenda, which he said has begun to yield measurable outcomes in Cross River State.
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