Peter Obi vows to make Calabar Port fully operational if elected President

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), announced that his government would bring the Calabar Port back to full operation. The promise was made during a town‑hall meeting in Calabar and later posted on his verified Facebook page. Obi delivered the pledge alongside his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and addressed a crowd of supporters, linking the port’s revival to broader development goals for Cross River State and the Niger Delta region.

In the same statement, Obi said his administration would also focus on aggressive investment in education, healthcare and other critical sectors, with the aim of lifting Nigerians out of poverty and enhancing national security. He highlighted the historic appeal of Calabar, Obudu and other local tourist destinations, pledging personal visits to these sites if elected.

Background

The Calabar Port, situated in Cross River State, has long been a key maritime gateway for the Niger Delta but has faced operational challenges in recent years. Obi’s pledge follows a pattern of political candidates promising infrastructure upgrades in the region, a strategy aimed at addressing longstanding economic disparities. Following multiple public appearances by Obi, which included his recent pledge to combat abductors and dishonest government workers, the statement was issued, signaling a wider electoral strategy centered on enhancing safety and administrative changes.

Obi’s running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is a former governor of Kano State and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, adding weight to the ticket’s appeal in the northern and southern regions. The town‑hall meeting in Calabar was part of a wider outreach effort by the NDC to connect with voters in the Niger Delta, a region that has historically felt marginalized in national development plans.

Why it matters

The operational status of Calabar Port is significant for several stakeholder groups. Local businesses and exporters rely on the port for the movement of goods, and a fully functional facility could stimulate trade, create jobs and increase revenue for Cross River State. The promise also resonates with tourism operators, as Obi referenced the region’s past popularity among domestic and international visitors.

Nationally, the pledge underscores the NDC’s emphasis on infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth. If delivered, the port’s revival could contribute to reducing regional poverty levels, a core objective of Obi’s campaign. Moreover, the focus on ports across the Niger Delta suggests a broader strategy to improve the region’s logistical network, potentially enhancing Nigeria’s overall trade competitiveness.

What happens next

Obi’s campaign has not provided a detailed implementation timeline or specific funding mechanisms for the port project. The next steps are expected to involve feasibility studies and coordination with federal agencies responsible for maritime infrastructure. Should Obi win the presidential election, his administration would need to negotiate with the Nigerian Ports Authority and secure the necessary investment to upgrade facilities, staff and related transport links. The pledge remains a campaign promise pending electoral outcome and subsequent policy action.