PROJECT CONCEPT NOTE
UAC BEKEKIRI JETTY GTCO
Akassa LGA Blue Economy, Heritage and Sustainable Development Hub
Project Sponsor
UNDP-AKASSA-LGA Sustainable Development Initiative
Project Location
UAC Bekekiri Jetty
Bekekiri-Akassa
Akassa LGA
Bayelsa State
Nigeria
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Project Background
UAC Bekekiri Jetty represents a strategic historical and economic gateway within Akassa Kingdom. The site is connected to the maritime history, commercial heritage, and community development aspirations of Akassa communities.
The project seeks to transform the UAC Bekekiri Jetty corridor into a multi-purpose development hub supporting:
* Sustainable Development Goals localization
* Blue Economy development
* Community tourism
* Climate resilience
* Youth entrepreneurship
* Women’s economic empowerment
* Digital innovation
* Heritage preservation
The initiative supports broader development priorities focused on strong institutions, sustainable communities, economic growth, environmental resilience, and partnerships. (KAMLGA Development Platform)
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Project Vision
To establish UAC Bekekiri Jetty GTCO as the premier coastal development, innovation, tourism, and investment hub in Akassa LGA.
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Core Components
Component 1
UAC Bekekiri Jetty Waterfront Redevelopment
Activities:
* Jetty rehabilitation
* Passenger terminal
* Waterfront promenade
* Visitor reception center
* Solar lighting systems
* Safety and navigation infrastructure
Estimated Budget:
USD 5 Million
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Component 2
Akassa Heritage and Cultural Centre
Activities:
* Historical archive
* Slave route documentation
* UAC trade history exhibition
* Community museum
* Cultural performance arena
Estimated Budget:
USD 3 Million
The concept aligns with existing heritage-related development initiatives documented for Akassa. (Eyemark)
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Component 3
Akassa Blue Economy Centre
Activities:
* Fisheries training
* Aquaculture incubation
* Marine enterprise support
* Fish processing demonstration facility
* Cooperative development
Estimated Budget:
USD 4 Million
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Component 4
GTCO Community Enterprise and Financial Inclusion Hub
Activities:
* SME support services
* Cooperative finance support
* Digital payments training
* Youth enterprise development
* Women business support
Estimated Budget:
USD 2 Million
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Component 5
UNDP Akassa Innovation and Digital Learning Centre
Activities:
* Digital skills training
* Coding and technology labs
* Entrepreneurship programs
* Innovation hub
* Remote learning facilities
Estimated Budget:
USD 3 Million
The innovation hub concept reflects development approaches used in UNDP-supported innovation and maker-space initiatives. (ungm.org)
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Component 6
Climate Resilience and Coastal Protection Program
Activities:
* Shoreline monitoring
* Mangrove restoration
* Flood preparedness systems
* Community climate data platform
* Environmental education
Estimated Budget:
USD 3 Million
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Expected Outcomes by 2035
* 10,000 youth trained.
* 5,000 SMEs supported.
* 50,000 annual visitors.
* Increased tourism revenue.
* Improved community financial inclusion.
* Enhanced climate resilience.
* Preservation of Akassa heritage assets.
* Attraction of domestic and international investment.
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Proposed Funding Structure
* UNDP-aligned development partnerships
* Bayelsa State Government
* Federal Government intervention programs
* NDDC
* Private investors
* Corporate Social Responsibility funds
* International development agencies
* Diaspora investment partnerships
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Total Estimated Investment
USD 20 Million
Implementation Period:
2026–2035