The Manager of Calabar Port, Mr. Olumati Festus, announced that the port is now handling 16 to 18 mega vessels each month, significantly enhancing its operational capacity. Speaking through the Port Legal Officer, Barrister Ekanem Bassey, during a visit from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), he highlighted the port’s ability to accommodate large ocean-going vessels carrying bulk and general cargo.
Despite this progress, many manufacturers still opt for the more distant Onne and Badagry ports. To encourage usage of Calabar Port, management is offering various concessions and waivers. The port is also addressing dredging issues, which were previously tied up in legal disputes.
Traffic Manager Albert Alaleye noted that the Calabar Port services not only local manufacturers but also neighboring countries like Cameroon and Gabon. MAN representatives urged for additional waivers to facilitate smoother operations, emphasizing their eagerness to utilize the port’s services more effectively.