ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday called on the Federal Government to revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to work closely with the centre in repositioning Delta as Nigeria’s maritime hub.
The governor made the appeal when he received the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba. He stressed that the revival of the ports was critical to unlocking Delta’s economic potential and boosting Nigeria’s maritime trade.
“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 modernize existing ports than to build new ones,” Oborevwori said.
He commended the NPA for its modernization drive but urged for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and rehabilitation of Warri and Koko port facilities, describing such interventions as national priorities.
The governor disclosed that his administration was already working closely with the Federal Government to address critical infrastructure needs. He cited the award of the Summit Junction–Bridge Head section of the Benin-Asaba Highway to Heartland Construction Company and the N35 billion Sapele–Warri Road project to CCECC as evidence of a strong partnership between the state and federal governments.
Oborevwori assured potential investors that Delta had created an enabling environment for businesses, noting that oil installations were no longer under frequent attacks and that the state had enacted laws to curb illegal levies and harassment of companies. He emphasized that companies must honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities to sustain peace and inclusiveness.
Highlighting major infrastructure projects, the governor announced that Julius Berger had returned to Delta after years of absence and was handling key flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout. “Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, Senator Adeleye pledged the NPA Board’s readiness to collaborate with Delta State to revive the ports, describing them as strategic gateways capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and expanding trade volumes.
He explained that the NPA Board, inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, had embarked on a nationwide assessment tour of ports to identify challenges firsthand. Adeleye listed shallow drafts, collapsed quays, underutilization, and the need for a deep seaport as pressing issues facing Delta ports.
“Delta ports currently contribute about 10.7 percent 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,” the NPA Chairman said.
He commended the Delta State Government for its support in enhancing security around the ports and for fostering cordial relations with host communities, which, he noted, remained essential for sustainable operations.
