By Abasi Ita
The proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port is expected to unlock wide ranging business opportunities for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises across Cross River State and neighbouring regions, the Calabar Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture has said.
The Vice President for MSME and Business Development at CALCCIMA, Mr Liyel Imoukhuede, said the strategic location of the port on the Gulf of Guinea places it at the centre of one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, with the potential to transform trade, logistics and enterprise development in the state.
According to him, the port will attract increased vessel traffic, higher cargo volumes and expanded commercial activities, creating multiple opportunities for local businesses to participate in port related value chains.
Imoukhuede identified logistics and port services as key areas where MSMEs can thrive, including haulage and trucking, warehousing and storage, clearing and forwarding, as well as packaging and labelling services.
He also highlighted opportunities in supply and support services such as food and catering, security and cleaning, equipment supply and maintenance, and information and communication technology solutions designed for port operations.
In the area of trade and exports, he said the port would boost agro produce aggregation and export, processing and value addition, cold chain and seafood businesses, as well as import distribution and retail activities.
The CALCCIMA official advised MSMEs to begin preparations early by formalising their businesses through registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, obtaining tax identification numbers, ensuring tax compliance and opening corporate bank accounts.
He stressed the need for capacity building, urging entrepreneurs to acquire basic knowledge of logistics and trade processes, understand export standards and documentation, and adopt proper accounting and record keeping systems.
Imoukhuede also encouraged MSMEs to embrace partnerships by forming cooperatives and clusters, pooling resources to compete for larger contracts and collaborating rather than competing in isolation.
He said CALCCIMA would provide support by identifying MSMEs ready for port linked opportunities, offering training and mentorship on compliance, quality standards and contract readiness, and linking businesses with the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment Promotion Agency, financial institutions, large operators and investors.
He added that the chamber would continue to advocate for local content and the inclusion of MSMEs in port related activities.
Imoukhuede noted that successful implementation of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port would see local businesses supplying global trade, youth owned enterprises creating jobs and MSMEs transitioning from informal operations to bankable ventures, positioning Cross River State as a major trade and enterprise hub.
He emphasised that the Bakassi Deep Sea Port is not only for large corporations but also for transporters, farmers, processors, service providers and entrepreneurs who are willing to prepare ahead of time, adding that while opportunities will arrive by sea, preparation must begin on land.