Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, urged the federal government to revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu seaports and reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the federal government in that regard.
The governor, who spoke when he received on a courtesy visit, the board of directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) led by its Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeleye, said the revival of the seaports will unlock the full economic potential of Delta State as Nigeria’s maritime hub.
He insisted that the revitalization of the ports would create jobs, attract investments, 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 State and Nigeria.
“It is often more impactful to modernize existing ports than to build new ones,” the governor added.
He commended the NPA for its modernization efforts but appealed for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and the rehabilitation of Warri and Koko port facilities, stressing that such interventions needed to be treated as national priorities.
The governor disclosed that his administration was working closely with the federal government to tackle critical infrastructural challenges, saying that “these collaborations are already yielding results.
“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.
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“This is a clear demonstration of the positive relationship between the state and the centre.”
Gov. Oborevwori assured potential investors of improved security in the state, noting that oil installations were no longer under frequent attacks and that the environment was now peaceful for business.
He added that the state has enacted a law against the collection of illegal levies and harassment of companies to protect investments.
“Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,” Gov. Oborevwori affirmed.
Earlier, Senator Adeleye pledged the board’s readiness to work closely with the state government to revive the seaports in the state and enhance their contribution to Nigeria’s maritime economy.
He said the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu seaports were strategic gateways that, if fully optimized, would boost trade, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Sen. Adeleye noted that the NPA board, inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, has embarked on a nationwide tour of ports to assess the challenges firsthand before implementing solutions.
The NPA boss commended the state government for supporting security around the ports, stressing that safety remained crucial to sustaining operations.
He also highlighted issues of underutilization, collapsed quays, shallow drafts, and the need 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 role in fostering cordial relations with host communities and implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives to sustain peace.
