First Cocoa Export Shipped To U.S. In 14 Years From Calabar Port

For the first time in about 14 years, Nigeria has shipped 7,000 metric tonnes of cocoa through the Calabar Port in Cross River State to the United States of America (U.S.A.).

Starlink Global and Ideal Limited transported the 7,000 tonnes of cocoa through the Ecomarine Terminals in Calabar Port.

Draft limitations had challenged the Calabar Port for over 14 years after its concession, but the Ecomarine Terminals Limited had shipped the maiden export of cocoa beans from the seaport.

Speaking at the load-out ceremony in Calabar, Governor Benedict Ayade said the state was rich in agricultural resources, urging the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to expedite action on the dredging of Calabar channels in other to aid increase in exports.

Ayade, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, said: “It’s time for us not only to export raw materials but also processed goods and urged the people to exploit opportunities that cash crops present in the state.

He assured that the waterways were constantly under surveillance, hence the adequate security in the state.

Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the authority was pursuing Federal Government’s economic recovery agenda through consistent improvement on service delivery at the nation’s seaports, especially the eastern ports.