Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for the resuscitation and modernisation of the state’s four ports—Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu—saying they could significantly contribute to both local and national economies if effectively revitalised by the federal government.
The governor, who spoke on Monday in Asaba when the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by Chairman Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, paid him a courtesy visit, emphasised that the ports’ revival would create jobs, improve infrastructure, attract local and foreign investment, and boost national revenue.
“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,” Oborevwori said. “It is often more impactful to modernise existing ports than to build new ones.”
While commending ongoing modernisation efforts by the NPA, the governor appealed for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and rehabilitation of the Warri and Koko port facilities. He noted that Delta State’s collaborations with the federal government were already yielding results, citing the Summit Junction-Niger Bridgehead section of the Benin-Asaba Highway awarded to Heartland Construction Company and a section of the Sapele–Warri Road project awarded to CCECC at a cost of N35 billion.
Oborevwori further assured investors of improved security in the state, pointing out that oil installations were no longer under frequent attack and that the business environment was more peaceful. He also highlighted a state law prohibiting illegal levies and harassment of companies, aimed at protecting investments.
He urged companies to honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities, stressing that engagement with local people is key to sustaining harmonious relations. On infrastructure projects, he noted that Julius Berger had returned to undertake major works, including flyovers at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout in the Warri-Effurun axis.
“Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,” the governor affirmed.
Chairman of the NPA Board, Senator Adeleye, pledged the board’s readiness to work with Delta State to revive the ports and enhance their contribution to Nigeria’s maritime economy. He described the ports as strategic gateways that, if fully optimised, would boost trade, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
He added that Delta ports currently contribute about 10.7 per cent of national trade volumes, acknowledging the figure as impressive but emphasising that stronger collaboration could further improve the ports’ performance.
Adeleye also praised the Delta State Government’s efforts to maintain security around the ports and foster cordial relations with host communities, noting that safety and corporate social responsibility initiatives are crucial to sustaining maritime operations.
Omon-Julius Onabu
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