ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has expressed its readiness to support initiatives aimed at developing the state’s maritime sector and unlocking the economic potential of its waterways as part of efforts to advance the blue economy.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stated this on Thursday when he received a delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Mr Massimo De Luca, on a courtesy visit.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the state was encouraged by plans being advanced for the development of Burutu Port as part of a proposed coastal and inland waterway corridor linking Lagos with Burutu, Onitsha and Ajaokuta.
He said Delta had been pursuing opportunities in the blue economy and remained interested in developing its waterways and maritime transportation infrastructure.
According to him, the proposed Sea Link initiative presents an opportunity for the state to derive greater economic value from its extensive network of waterways while improving connectivity and stimulating economic activities.
Oborevwori said the involvement of the European Union and other development partners in the initiative had strengthened optimism about the prospects of translating the state’s long-standing blue economy aspirations into concrete projects.
“We have been talking about the blue economy since the beginning of this administration, and we are all very eager to participate in it and enjoy the enormous benefits that the blue economy has to offer,” he said.
He assured the delegation that the Delta State Government would provide the necessary cooperation and support required to advance the project.
The governor also welcomed the EU’s interest in collaborating with the state on initiatives targeted at improving the lives of persons living with disabilities, particularly through opportunities that could promote greater independence and productivity.
Earlier, De Luca said the main focus of the delegation’s visit was the blue economy, with particular attention to the proposed Sea Link project.
He explained that the project was conceived to establish a water transportation corridor from Lagos through the coastal route to Burutu and then along the River Niger through Onitsha to Ajaokuta.
De Luca said Burutu was strategically positioned within the Niger Delta and had the potential to support both maritime and inland waterway transportation, although the existing port would require substantial rehabilitation.
He said the proposed development could eventually position Burutu as more than a transit point, with potential to become an international port supporting ocean access and international trade.
The EU official said the project was being pursued under the EU’s Global Gateway framework, with discussions ongoing on its financing structure and the involvement of a consortium of stakeholders.
He said the proposed investment would include port infrastructure, particularly at Burutu, as well as barges and other facilities required to support waterway transportation.
De Luca added that shifting part of the movement of goods from roads to rivers and coastal waterways could create new business opportunities and stimulate economic activity along the corridor.
He also recalled the European Union’s development partnership with Delta State, noting that the organisation had supported community projects in areas including water infrastructure, schools, health centres, civic centres and palm-oil processing.
The proposed Sea Link project is also consistent with broader efforts to improve Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterway transportation network. The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has said the project is intended to strengthen coastal and inland waterway transport and has identified the rehabilitation and upgrade of Burutu Port as a key component.
For Delta State, the initiative represents another potential avenue for expanding maritime infrastructure and leveraging the state’s waterways for transportation, trade and wider economic development.
