Our Founder
Chief Dr. Bassey Udo Ekong, Ph.D
(December 24, 1935 – 2009)
Transportation Economist | Administrator | Public Policy Expert
Chief Dr. Bassey Udo Ekong was a distinguished Nigerian transportation economist, administrator, and public servant whose career spanned academia, public policy, and national economic development. He made lasting contributions to Nigeria’s transportation, maritime, and economic sectors through decades of dedicated service at key national institutions.
Early Life and Background
Dr. Ekong was born on December 24, 1935, in Oku Iboku, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He lived a life of service, scholarship, and leadership until his passing in 2009 at the age of 74. His last known residential address was Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Education
Dr. Ekong received a strong foundational and international education that shaped his expertise in transport economics:
Cruickshank School, Oku Iboku (1940–1946)
Macgregor College, Afikpo (1951–1952; 1956–1957)
Wolsey Hall Tuition by Correspondence (1958–1959)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka – B.Sc. in Economics (1960–1964)
Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA – M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics, specializing in Transport Economics (1970–1974)
Professional Career
Dr. Ekong’s professional journey reflects a steady rise through merit, expertise, and national trust.
He began his career as a school teacher with Presbyterian Mission Schools (1953–1959), before transitioning into the transportation and shipping sector, working with Aluminium Products Limited in Port Harcourt and later as a Shipping Manager-in-Training with Elder Dempster Agencies in Lagos.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Dr. Ekong joined the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1965, where he served with distinction for over two decades, rising through the ranks:
Research Assistant
Assistant Economist
Economist
Senior Economist
Chief Economist
Assistant Director
Deputy Director
Deputy Director of Research, Economic Policy Unit (1984–1987)
His work at the CBN significantly influenced economic research and transport-related policy formulation in Nigeria.
National Leadership Roles
Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (1980–1984)
Pioneer Director-General, National Maritime Authority (now NIMASA) (1987–1989)
In these roles, Dr. Ekong played a pivotal part in shaping Nigeria’s maritime administration, shipping regulation, and transport policy frameworks.
Committees, Panels, and Public Service
Dr. Ekong served on numerous national and international committees, including:
Member, Study Panel on the Use of Skylab Imagery for Crop Acreage Estimation, Michigan State University
Chairman, Study Group on the Nigerian National Shipping Line
Member, Investigation Panel on Customs Port Arson
Member, Task Force on the Standard Gauge Railway Line Project, Nigerian Railway Corporation
He also served as President of the African Association at Michigan State University during his doctoral studies.
Professional Affiliations and Honors
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Transport (CIT), London (1982)
Chairman, Chartered Institute of Transport (Nigeria) (1988)
Awarded the John Anderson Prize for original research on Nigerian migrant labour to Spanish Guinea
Elected Life Member, Beta Gamma Sigma, U.S. National Scholastic Fraternity (1974)
Personal Life
Dr. Ekong married Grace Eyibio Effiong in 1966. The marriage was blessed with four sons and two daughters. Beyond his professional life, he enjoyed music, dancing, and sports.
Legacy
Chief Dr. Bassey Udo Ekong is remembered as a pioneer, scholar, and nation-builder whose contributions to Nigeria’s transportation economics, maritime governance, and public policy remain significant. His work continues to be referenced in academic studies and policy research, reflecting a legacy of excellence, integrity, and service to national development.
