Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the resuscitation and modernisation of the state’s four ports — Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu — to unlock their economic potential for both the state and the nation.
The governor made the appeal on Monday in Asaba when he received members of the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, on a courtesy visit.
Oborevwori said the revival of the ports would create jobs, improve infrastructure, attract investment, and boost national revenue.
“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,” he said, adding that modernising existing ports would yield greater benefits than building new ones.
The governor commended NPA’s ongoing modernisation efforts but urged urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and rehabilitation of the Warri and Koko port facilities. He also cited federal projects in Delta, including the Summit Junction–Niger Bridgehead section of the Benin-Asaba Highway awarded to Heartland Construction, and the N35 billion Sapele–Warri Road project awarded to CCECC, as evidence of fruitful collaboration with Abuja.
Assuring investors of improved security, Oborevwori noted that oil installations were no longer under frequent attack and that the state’s business climate had become more stable. He highlighted a state law prohibiting illegal levies and harassment of companies, while urging firms to honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities to sustain peaceful relations.
On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that Julius Berger had resumed major projects, including flyovers at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout in the Warri–Effurun axis.
“Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,” he said.
Responding, NPA Board Chairman, Senator Adeleye, pledged the board’s commitment to partner with the state government in reviving the ports and maximising their role in the nation’s maritime economy.
He described the Delta ports as strategic gateways, noting that they currently contribute about 10.7 per cent of national trade volumes. While commending the state government’s efforts to enhance security and community relations, he stressed that stronger collaboration would further increase the ports’ performance.
