Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the Federal Government to urgently revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports in order to unlock the state’s full economic potential as a major maritime hub.
The governor made the appeal on Monday when he received the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, who paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori stressed that revitalizing Delta’s four ports would create jobs, attract new investments, and increase 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. It is often more impactful to modernize existing ports than to build new ones,” he said.
The governor urged the NPA to prioritize dredging the Warri Channel and rehabilitating the Warri and Koko port facilities, describing the projects as national priorities.
Federal–State Collaboration on Infrastructure
Governor Oborevwori explained that his administration is working closely with the Federal Government to fix critical infrastructure. He revealed that:
- The Summit Junction–Bridge Head section of the Benin-Asaba Highway has been awarded by the Federal Government to Heartland Construction Company.
- The Sapele–Warri Road project has been awarded by the State Government to CCECC at a cost of ₦35 billion.
“This is a clear demonstration of the positive relationship between the state and the centre,” the governor said.
He also assured potential investors of improved security in Delta State, noting that oil installations are no longer under constant attack, and the business environment is now peaceful. To further protect investors, he said Delta had passed a law against illegal levies and harassment of companies.
Oborevwori encouraged companies to respect their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with host communities by employing local people, which he described as a key strategy for sustaining peace and harmony.
The governor further highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the return of Julius Berger to the state to handle flyovers at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and 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,” he affirmed.
NPA Pledges Collaboration
Earlier, NPA Chairman Senator Adeleye pledged that the Authority would work closely with Delta State to revive the ports and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime economy.
He said the Delta ports — Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu — are strategic gateways that, if fully utilized, could drive trade, create jobs, and boost national growth.
Adeleye revealed that the NPA Board, which was inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, had embarked on a nationwide tour of ports to assess challenges before rolling out solutions.
He listed major issues affecting Delta ports, including underutilization, collapsed quays, shallow drafts, and the need for a deep seaport to attract international 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 praised the Delta State Government for improving security around the ports and maintaining cordial relations with host communities, which are vital for smooth operations.
