The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council, Rivers State, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, has proposed an economic and investment summit targeted at attracting more investors to the Onne Port domiciled within the council area.
The Chairman made the proposal on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Port Manager, Mr Abdulrahmon Hussain at the port complex.
According to the Chairman, the summit would involve NPA, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, and all operators within the area.
He said the engagement will tackle key issues including port functionality, policy reforms, employment, community development even as he called for deeper collaboration between the council, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and companies within the Oil & Gas Free Zone to boost development, youth empowerment, and investor confidence in Onne.
“We do not believe in crisis. Dialogue is the most sustainable approach,” the Chairman said, noting that the planned summit will produce a communique that reassures investors that Onne is safe and open for business.
The Chairman also used the occasion to raise concerns on indiscriminate parking of trucks, poor community support from companies, and limited job opportunities for indigenes.
He announced plans to set up a Task Force to regulate truck movements and urged NPA to consider qualified locals for managerial roles.
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Responding, the Port Manager commended Chief Ollor’s peaceful and development-focused approach, describing it as “refreshing.”
He assured the council of NPA’s commitment to improving community conditions, addressing truck congestion, and supporting investor engagement.
He further pledged to work closely with the council to strengthen cooperation and drive sustainable development in Onne.
