Bayelsa Positions Agge as Nigeria’s Next Maritime Gateway, as Diri Bags ‘Governor Who Saw Tomorrow’ Award
The Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, has positioned the proposed Agge Deep Seaport as Nigeria’s next major maritime and economic hub, describing it as a compelling commercial opportunity capable of transforming trade, logistics, and industrial growth across the Niger Delta and beyond.
The Governor made this known in a goodwill message delivered at the 1st International Deep Seaport Investment Forum (IDSIF 2026), held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria, where he called on global investors, development partners, and maritime stakeholders to key into the project.
Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, the Governor highlighted Bayelsa’s strategic advantage, noting that the Agge Deep Seaport, located along over 120 kilometres of Atlantic coastline in the Gulf of Guinea, offers natural deep-draft conditions, proximity to international shipping routes, and access to key sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and fisheries.
He stressed that the project is not merely an infrastructure initiative but a multi-sectoral economic catalyst expected to drive export expansion, decongest existing ports, stimulate industrial growth, and generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Describing the project as strategically positioned along a key maritime corridor, Governor Diri said it aligns with Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and assured investors of transparent regulatory systems, innovative financing frameworks, and strong institutional support.
He further disclosed that the project enjoys collaboration with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, with a joint federal-state technical team already working to advance its implementation.
The high point of the forum was the conferment of an award on Governor Douye Diri titled “Deep Seaport Development in Nigeria: The Governor Who Saw Tomorrow,” in recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to maritime development.
The forum, organised by Maritime Media Ltd., in collaboration with Shipping World, attracted prominent stakeholders, including His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, former President of Nigeria and Founder, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, alongside His Excellency Chief Bode George; His Excellency Col. Paul Edor Obi (rtd), former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State; Chief Timi Alaibe, former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Founder of Silverbird Group and former Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District; as well as other key players in the maritime industry, including NPA, NIMASA, NIWA, among others.
Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Bayelsa State Nigeria
