By Our Reporter
The Cross River State Government has formally unveiled the site for the Eburutu Fishing Terminal project, a landmark initiative aimed at repositioning the state’s fisheries sector, creating thousands of jobs, and advancing Governor Bassey Otu’s blue economy agenda.
The unveiling ceremony, which held at the Eburutu Fishing Terminal site (Nsidung Beach) in Calabar South, featured the formal presentation of the project site, an overview of the project’s vision and development roadmap, engagement with host communities and stakeholders, media briefing, and anetworking session.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Livestock Development and Aquaculture, Mr. Francis Ekpenyong, described the project as a major milestone in Governor Bassey Otu’s deliberate efforts to unlock the economic potential of the state’s marine resources, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and strengthen food security
“The Eburutu Fish Terminal is a public private partnership, established between the government of cross river state and Ahmed Industries Ltd for the purpose of fisheries commercialization in Cross River State. The terminal will be situated here by the Nsidung Beach in Calabar south. The project will comprise of 15 brand new fishing trowlers, 10 trowlers will be for fishes of different sizes, 3 for shrimps and 2 for mixed fishes like meckerel and Titus”
He noted that the terminal is designed to transform the fisheries value chain through commercial-scale fishing, processing, storage, and distribution, while positioning Cross River as a major player in Nigeria’s seafood industry.
“This project will unlock opportunities for tens of thousands and the host community. It will create jobs for young people in the areas of logistics, cold chain management, packaging, quality control, transport, maintenance, marketing and digital commerce.”
The Commissioner further praised the initiative as a strategic and visionary investment that will reshape the state’s fishing industry by creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities across the value chain.
“This project is laying the foundation for prosperity for our fishermen, our women in processing, our transporters, and the entire value chain,”
Hon. Ekpenyong added that, upon completion, the Eburutu Fishing Terminal will establish Cross River as a leading hub for fish production, processing, storage, and export in the South-South region and beyond.
The event attracted top government officials, Local Government Council Chairmen, development partners, youth organisations, traditional stakeholders, and members of the host community, who gathered to witness the unveiling of what is widely regarded as a transformative project with the potential to redefine the state’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
