Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, called on the Federal Government to urgently revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports, emphasizing that the move would unlock the vast economic potential of Delta as a strategic maritime hub in Nigeria.
Governor Oborevwori made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeleye, at Government House, Asaba. He said revitalizing the seaports would create jobs, stimulate investments, and boost national revenue.
“Delta State is strategically endowed with four ports. Reviving them will generate massive employment opportunities, spur trade, and strengthen both the state and national economies. It’s often more effective to modernize existing ports than to build new ones,” the governor stated.
While commending the NPA for its ongoing modernization initiatives, Oborevwori called for the urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and the rehabilitation of the Warri and Koko port facilities, describing them as matters of national importance.
He highlighted ongoing partnerships with the Federal Government to address infrastructural challenges, noting that such collaborations were already producing results. He cited the recent award of the Summit Junction–Bridge Head section of the Benin–Asaba Highway to Heartland Construction Company by the Federal Government, and the award of a section of the Sapele–Warri Road to CCECC by the State Government at a cost of N35 billion.
“These joint efforts reflect a productive relationship between the state and the federal government,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori also assured prospective investors of improved security across the state, revealing that attacks on oil facilities had reduced significantly and the business environment was now stable. He added that a new state law prohibiting illegal levies and the harassment of businesses had been enacted to safeguard investments.
He urged companies operating in the state to honor their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities by employing locals, noting that community engagement was key to long-term peace and stability.
Highlighting key infrastructure projects, the governor revealed that Julius Berger had resumed operations in the state after years of absence, and was currently handling major flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and the DSC Roundabout, among others.
“Delta State is open for business, ready for partnerships, and committed to solidifying its place as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,” Oborevwori asserted.
In his remarks, NPA Board Chairman, Senator Adeleye, expressed the agency’s readiness to partner with the Delta State Government in reviving the ports, stating that the four ports in the state—Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu—were vital economic gateways.
He said the NPA Board, inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, had embarked on a nationwide tour of ports to assess operational challenges firsthand in order to devise lasting solutions.
Adeleye applauded the Delta State Government for its support in enhancing security around the ports, emphasizing that safety was fundamental to sustaining port operations.
He acknowledged several issues affecting the ports, including shallow drafts, collapsed quays, and general underutilization. He also stressed the need for a deep seaport in the state to attract larger global shipping traffic.
“Delta ports currently account for about 10.7% of the nation’s trade volumes. While commendable, there is clear room for growth. With deeper collaboration, we can restore the full vibrancy of these ports and elevate Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Adeleye said.
The NPA delegation also praised the Delta State Government’s efforts in maintaining peaceful relations with host communities and promoting corporate social responsibility, both of which they said were essential for sustainable port operations.
