The European Union and other development partners are working on plans to develop a coastal and inland waterway linking Lagos, Burutu, Onitsha and Ajaokuta to boost transportation and boosting economic activities.
The proposed Sea Link Project will include the rehabilitation of Burutu Port in Delta State, as well as investments in barges and other port infrastructure.
The EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, led by Mr Massimo De Luca, disclosed this when it paid a courtesy visit to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, in Asaba on Thursday.
De Luca said the project was being developed under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and was intended to move part of the country’s cargo traffic from roads to rivers and coastal waterways.
He said the planned route would run from Lagos through the coastal corridor to Burutu and then up the River Niger through Onitsha to Ajaokuta.
According to him, the consortium working on the project was already putting together its financing structure, with investments expected in port facilities, barges and related infrastructure.
De Luca said Burutu had the geographical advantage to serve not only as a link along the proposed route but also as an international port.
“We believe Burutu has the potential to become a fully fledged international port; this gives the project a dual aspect,” he said.
He added that the development could create new business opportunities, stimulate economic activities and reduce pressure on Nigeria’s roads.
Responding, Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, said the state was ready to support the project and other initiatives aimed at developing its blue economy.
“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,” the governor said.
He described the proposed development of waterways and maritime transportation as a major opportunity for Delta, given its extensive network of waterways.
Oborevwori said the state would provide the necessary cooperation and support to make the project a reality.
He also welcomed the EU’s proposed support for people living with disabilities in the state, saying the government was ready to cooperate with development partners on initiatives that would improve their lives.
The governor expressed optimism over the involvement of the EU and other development institutions, describing their collaboration as a positive step towards realising Delta’s long-standing ambition of developing its maritime sector.
