Oborevwori: Why We Are Committed To Developing Delta’s Blue Economy

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing the state’s blue economy, expanding maritime infrastructure and strengthening partnerships with international development agencies to drive sustainable economic growth.

Oborevwori stated this on Thursday in Asaba when he received a delegation from the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, led by Mr. Massimo De Luca, on a courtesy visit.

Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., the Governor expressed optimism over plans to develop the Burutu Port as part of a proposed coastal corridor linking Lagos, Burutu, Onitsha and Ajaokuta.

He said Delta State was ready to provide the necessary cooperation and support to ensure the success of the proposed project.

Oborevwori said his administration had been discussing the development of the blue economy since its inception, adding that Delta was eager to harness the opportunities presented by its extensive network of waterways.

“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,” he said.

The Governor said the proposed development of waterway and maritime transportation across the region represented a major opportunity for Delta State.

He noted that the state had been discussing the development of its blue economy and seaports for years, describing the current collaboration involving the European Union and other development partners as a significant step towards making the vision a reality.

“With the European Union, development partners, and all these important institutions standing together in support of this initiative, there is every reason to be optimistic,” Oborevwori said.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the European Union and other development partners for their continued support for Delta State.

He also welcomed the delegation’s interest in supporting persons living with disabilities by providing opportunities and assistance to enable them to live more independent and productive lives.

Oborevwori assured the delegation that the Delta State Government would provide the necessary support and cooperation to bring the proposed project to fruition.

Earlier, De Luca said the main focus of the delegation’s visit was the blue economy, particularly the proposed Sea-Link Project.

He said the European Union had a long history of supporting development initiatives in Delta State, including projects involving water infrastructure, schools, health centres, civic centres and palm-oil processing facilities.

According to him, the Sea-Link Project is designed to improve coastal and inland waterway transportation by connecting major ports around Lagos with the Niger Delta and extending the route through the River Niger.

De Luca said the project was being pursued under the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy and was expected to have a transformative impact on transportation and economic activities.

He said shifting part of the movement of goods from roads to rivers and coastal waterways would create new business opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

De Luca identified the Burutu Port as a strategic component of the project, noting that although the existing port would require substantial rehabilitation, its geographical location offered significant competitive advantages.

He said the proposed Sea-Link would establish a route from Lagos through the coastal corridor to Burutu, then up the River Niger through Onitsha and onward to Ajaokuta.

He disclosed that discussions were already underway to assemble the financing structure for the project, with a consortium involving several parties expected to participate.

According to him, the required investment would cover barges, port infrastructure and other components, particularly the rehabilitation and development of the Burutu Port.

De Luca added that Burutu had the potential to develop beyond a transit point along the proposed route and become a fully fledged international port capable of supporting ocean-going trade.

He said the port could potentially develop into an international maritime gateway comparable in some respects to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.