Hope has risen for the Agge Deep Seaport Project of the Bayelsa State government, following an inception meeting held on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
In a renewed push to actualise the strategic maritime asset, the Bayelsa government met with the Transaction Advisors and key members of the project team.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Yenagoa, was followed by a site visit to Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.
The project team comprises technical consultants, environmental specialists, legal advisers, and representatives of relevant state agencies working collaboratively to drive the planning, advisory, and implementation processes of the Agge Deep Seaport Project.
Also in attendance were representatives of key government institutions, including the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, represented by Ngozi Ayafa Esq., Head of Legal Drafting, Ministry of Justice; Preye Osukoroma, representing the Director-General of the Bayelsa State Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA).
Others were the State Surveyor-General, represented by Surveyor Clifford; and ESV Francis Mumeya, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Housing. Members of the Transaction Advisory Team from Halcrow present at the meeting included Mr. Tomiwa Aregbesola (Project Lead), Prince Adegoke Oluyede (Legal Adviser), and Nina Nimi Briggs (Technical Lead).
The visit enabled the project team to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and gain first-hand insight into the physical and environmental context of the proposed seaport.
In her remarks, Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, described the engagement as a critical foundation for the successful execution of the project.
Zibs-Godwin reiterated the State Government’s commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport, noting that it remains a flagship initiative with the capacity to significantly transform the state’s economic landscape.
According to her, the project is central to the state’s blue economy drive, and the government will continue to provide the necessary institutional support, coordination, and enabling environment to ensure its timely delivery.
At the project site in Agge, the Transaction Advisor Team Lead, Tomiwa Aregbesola, said the visit was essential for preliminary observations and to enable the team properly acquaint itself with the project environment.
He noted that the exercise would help to inform the planning and advisory process as the project advances into its detailed development phase.
Aregbesola expressed satisfaction with the level of groundwork already undertaken, stating that it reinforces confidence in the state government’s preparedness and commitment. He also commended the host community for its hospitality and highlighted the significant natural endowments of the area.
He further called for sustained collaboration and support from relevant federal and state institutions to ensure the project’s success.
Earlier, Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac, alongside the paramount ruler and his chiefs, received the delegation and assured them of the community’s full cooperation.
They pledged to maintain peace and security and to provide an enabling environment for the smooth implementation of the project, while reaffirming their readiness to partner with government and investors.
