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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), is set to revive and develop the moribund Burutu Port in Delta State as part of a proposed coastal transportation corridor linking Lagos, Burutu, Onitsha and Ajaokuta.
The plan was disclosed on Friday by the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, led by Mr. Massimo De Luca, during a visit to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The proposed Sea Link Project is expected to shift part of the movement of goods and passengers from roads to coastal waterways and the River Niger, while opening up new opportunities for trade and investment across the region.
Speaking through his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori said his administration was committed to transforming the state’s maritime sector, expanding infrastructure and deepening partnerships with international development agencies to drive sustainable economic growth.
The governor expressed delight at the assurance by De Luca that plans were underway for the development of Burutu Port as a major component of the proposed coastal corridor.
He said: “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.
“As a state with an extensive network of waterways, we are ready to provide all the necessary cooperation and support to enable this dream, which is indeed our collective dream, to become 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.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, we sincerely appreciate you for your continued partnership and support,” he said.
Earlier, De Luca said the main focus of the delegation’s visit was the blue economy, particularly the Sea Link Project.
He said the EU had a long history of supporting development initiatives in Delta State, noting that it had, over the years, supported numerous community projects across the state’s local government areas.
According to him, the projects included water infrastructure, schools, health centres, civic centres, palm-oil processing facilities and other community-based investments.
“In the case of Nigeria, an obvious extension of this concept is the development of a link between the major ports currently centred on Lagos and the Niger Delta, extending further up the River Niger,” he said.
He explained that the project was being developed under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, adding that its first transformative impact would be to shift traffic from roads to rivers and coastal waterways.
