Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize the revival of the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports. He also reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to a collaborative partnership with the central government to achieve this crucial goal.
The governor made this plea during a courtesy visit from the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye. Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the full revitalization of these seaports is essential to unlocking Delta State’s immense economic potential and solidifying its position as a key maritime hub for Nigeria.
He stressed that the revitalization of the ports would not only create extensive employment opportunities but also attract significant investments and substantially boost national revenue. He stated, “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.” He further commended the NPA for its ongoing modernization efforts but appealed for the urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and the rehabilitation of the Warri and Koko port facilities, highlighting these interventions as national priorities.
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The governor also disclosed that Delta State is working in close collaboration with the Federal Government to address critical infrastructural challenges, noting that these partnerships are already producing tangible results. As an example, he pointed out, “The Federal Government has awarded the Summit Junction–Bridge head section of the Benin-Asaba Highway to Heartland Construction Company while the State Government has awarded a section of the Sapele–Warri Road project to CCECC at a cost of N35 billion. This is a clear demonstration of the positive relationship between the state and the centre.” Oborevwori further assured potential investors of an improved security landscape in the state, noting that oil installations are no longer under frequent attack and the business environment is now peaceful. He added that Delta had enacted a law to curb the collection of illegal levies and the harassment of companies, specifically to protect investments. However, he urged companies operating in the state to honor their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities by engaging local people, a strategy he deemed crucial for sustaining harmony. Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, the governor revealed that Julius Berger had returned to the state for the first time in years, undertaking major flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and the DSC Roundabout, among others. “Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,” Oborevwori affirmed
Earlier, Senator Adeleye pledged the Board’s readiness to work in close partnership with the Delta State Government to revive the state’s ports and enhance their contribution to Nigeria’s maritime economy. He recognized Delta’s ports—Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu—as strategic gateways that, if fully optimized, would significantly boost trade, create jobs, and drive economic growth. He noted that 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 personally assess challenges before implementing solutions. The NPA boss commended the Delta State Government for its support in ensuring security around the ports, stressing that safety is crucial for sustaining operations.
He also highlighted issues such as underutilization, collapsed quays, shallow drafts, and the necessity for a deep seaport to attract global shipping traffic. “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,” he said. The NPA delegation also acknowledged the state government’s vital role in fostering cordial relations with host communities and implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives to maintain peace.
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Governor Oborevwori is right on this. Reviving the ports in Delta State will greatly improve trade, create jobs, and open up more economic opportunities for our people
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is really pushing for the revival of Delta State’s ports, and it’s exciting to see him collaborating with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Ports Authority to make it happen. By modernizing existing ports, Delta State can unlock its immense economic potential and solidify its position as a key maritime hub. It’s great to see the governor emphasizing the importance of port revitalization and urging the Federal Government to prioritize the dredging of the Warri Channel and rehabilitation of port facilities. With the right investments and partnerships, Delta State can become a leading player in Nigeria’s maritime economy.