Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has called for stronger trade ties between the state and Equatorial Guinea on the area of maritime and aviation.
Governor Ayade while receiving a Letter of Credence from the Equatorial Guinea Consular-General to Nigeria, Ildel Fonso Ondo Nchama, expressed optimism that with the Bakassi deep seaport being on the pipeline, maritime relationship will be exploited by both countries.
Ayade, while looking forward to stronger trade ties between Equatorial Guinea and Cross River, also announced plans to open up international air cargoes between Calabar and Equatorial Guinea.
“It is my strong conviction that the relationship between Equatorial Guinea and Cross River State and indeed, on a larger scale Nigeria, will be facilitated. I am excited that there will be bigger commercial activities and there will be stronger unity and bond courtesy of a young, ebullient and dynamic Consular-General.
“It is my hope therefore, that you’re coming here as the Consular-General of Equatorial Guinea to Cross River State will give us the opportunity to open up international air cargoes between Calabar and Equatorial Guinea.
“We look forward to meeting with your President very soon to be able to establish the air operating license between Calabar and Malabo.
“Hopefully in no distant future, the maritime corridor and the maritime relationship will also be exploited. We believe that there are better opportunities for us to work together and collaborate.”
Earlier, Consul Ondo Nchama, while presenting his Letter of Credence, told the governor that his posting to the state was imperative, following the existing cordial relationship between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria.
