Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has called on the Federal Government to revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports, emphasising that this would help to would unlock the state’s economic potential and create jobs.
The governor made this appeal on Monday during a courtesy visit on him by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board of Directors, led by Senator Adedayo Adeleye.
Rt. Hon. Oborevwori said that the revival of the ports would attract investments, stimulate trade, and strengthen the economy of Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The governor also emphasised that the modernisation of the ports would increase national revenue and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
His words: “Delta State is strategically blessed with four ports. If these ports are revived, they will create massive employment, stimulate trade, and strengthen the economy of Delta and Nigeria.
”It is often more impactful to modernise existing ports than to build new ones”, he added.
He further commended the NPA for its modernisation efforts but appealed for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and the rehabilitation of Warri and Koko port facilities, saying that such interventions needed to be treated as national priorities.
Elder Oborevwori assured the NPA Board of his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government to tackle critical infrastructural challenges.
The governor disclosed that Delta was working closely with the Federal Government to tackle critical infrastructural challenges, saying; “these collaborations are already yielding results.
‘According to him, ‘The Federal Government has awarded the Summit Junction Bridge head section of the Benin-Asaba Highway to Heartland Construction Company while the State Government has awarded a section of the Sapele/Warri Road project to CCECC at a cost of N35 billion.
”This is a clear demonstration of the positive relationship between the state and the centre”
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, the governor revealed that Julius Berger had returned to the state for the first time in years, handling major flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout, among others.
“Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,” he said.
The governor assured potential investors of improved security in the state, noting that oil installations were no longer under frequent attacks.
He added that State has enacted a law against the collection of illegal levies and harassment of companies to protect investments.
Oborevwori however, urged companies operating in the state to honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities by engaging local people.
Earlier, Senator Adeleye, Chairman of the NPA Board, pledged the agency’s readiness to work closely with the State Government to revive the ports and enhance their contribution to Nigeria’s maritime economy.
He noted that the Delta ports were strategic gateways that, if fully optimized, would boost trade, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Adeleye noted that the NPA Board, inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, embarked on a nationwide tour of ports to assess challenges firsthand before implementing solutions.
The NPA boss commended the State Government for supporting security around the ports, stressing that safety remained crucial to sustaining operations.
He also highlighted issues of underutilisation, collapsed quays, shallow drafts, and the need for a deep seaport to attract global shipping traffic.
“Delta ports currently contribute about 10.7 per cent of national trade volumes, which is impressive, but there is room for improvement.
”With stronger collaboration, we can restore the vibrancy of these ports and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime trade,” he said.
The NPA delegation also acknowledged the state government’s role in fostering cordial relations with host communities and implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives to sustain peace.
