NPA Announces Plans to Revitalize Delta Ports, Boost Economy
The Nigerian Ports Authority has announced plans to revive Delta Ports as part of a broader strategy to boost Nigeria’s economy and decongest Lagos ports. This move aims to generate employment and support economic growth in the region.
According to Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, Chairman of the NPA Board, President Bola Tinubu is committed to revitalizing Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
During a four-day working tour of the Delta Ports, Adeyeye and his delegation met with traditional rulers, port stakeholders, and community leaders, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Orodje of Okpe, and the Olu of Warri.
The monarchs expressed support for the NPA’s efforts, emphasizing the historical and economic importance of the ports in the region. The Delta Ports have been facing operational challenges, including collapsed breakwaters, poor dredging, lack of pilotage services, and employment concerns.
To address these issues, the NPA plans to establish a Delta Channeling Management Company, responsible for dredging and keeping waterways navigable year-round. This company will help resolve the recurring problem of shallow draught and siltation obstructing larger vessels from berthing.
Adeyeye assured that the NPA Board is committed to delivering on its mandate, stating, “It doesn’t make sense for importers servicing the North Central and East to keep using Lagos when Delta Ports are here.
We will confront these challenges head-on.” Stakeholders have also urged the harmonization of tariffs across Nigeria’s ports and the redirection of inland-bound cargo from Lagos to Delta Ports to reduce logistics costs and congestion.
The revival of Delta Ports is expected to attract business from landlocked neighbors like Chad and the Niger Republic, promoting economic growth and job creation. The Orodje of Okpe noted that the first port in Nigeria was built in the Delta as far back as 1472 by Portuguese explorers, calling for the dredging of the Escravos Bar and River Niger to allow bigger vessels access. #NPA Announces Plans to Revitalize Delta Ports, Boost Economy#
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