By Sunday Apah
On Monday, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori called on the Federal Government to focus on revitalizing the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports, emphasizing his administration’s willingness to cooperate with the federal authorities on this initiative.
While meeting with the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by Chairman Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, the governor expressed that renewing these seaports would significantly enhance Delta’s potential as a key maritime center in Nigeria.
Oborevwori argued that revitalizing these ports would generate employment opportunities, draw in investments, and increase national revenue. “Delta State is fortunate to have four ports.
Revitalizing them could lead to substantial job creation, stimulate trade, and bolster the economies of both Delta and Nigeria. It is more beneficial to upgrade existing ports than to construct new ones,” he stated.
He praised the NPA for their modernization initiatives but stressed the urgent need to dredge the Warri Channel and improve the facilities at Warri and Koko ports, urging that these actions should be prioritized at the national level.
The governor highlighted that Delta is working in close partnership with the Federal Government to address pressing infrastructural issues. “These collaborations are already producing results. The Federal Government has awarded the Summit Junction–Bridge Head section of the Benin-Asaba Highway to Heartland Construction Company, while our state has contracted a section of the Sapele–Warri Road project to CCECC for N35 billion. This reflects the strong relationship between the state and federal governments,” he explained.
Assuring potential investors of enhanced security in the state, Oborevwori noted that oil installations were no longer frequently targeted and that the business environment had become peaceful. He also mentioned that Delta has instituted a law to combat illegal levies and protect companies from harassment to further safeguard investments.
He urged businesses operating in Delta to uphold their agreements with local communities, as engaging local populations is vital for maintaining peaceful coexistence.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure developments, Oborevwori announced that Julius Berger is back in the state after several years, working on significant flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and the DSC Roundabout, among others.
“Delta State welcomes investment, is prepared for partnerships, and is committed to establishing itself as Nigeria’s foremost maritime and economic hub,” he affirmed.
Earlier, Senator Adeleye expressed the NPA Board’s commitment to collaborating closely with the Delta State Government to revive the state’s ports and maximize their contribution to Nigeria’s maritime economy.
He acknowledged that Delta’s ports—Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu—are vital gateways that, if fully utilized, would enhance trade, generate employment, and foster economic advancement.
Adeleye noted that the NPA Board, which was inaugurated in June by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, is undertaking a nationwide inspection of ports to identify challenges directly before implementing solutions.
He commended the Delta State Government for its support in securing the ports, emphasizing that safety is essential for sustainable operations.
Additionally, he pointed out issues such as underutilization, deteriorating quays, shallow drafts, and the necessity for a deep-sea port to attract global shipping traffic.
“Currently, Delta ports account for approximately 10.7 percent of national trade volumes, which is commendable, but there is significant room for improvement. With enhanced collaboration, we can restore the vitality of these ports and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime trade,” he concluded.
The NPA delegation also recognized the Delta State Government’s efforts in nurturing positive relationships with host communities and implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives to maintain peace.
