
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday urged the Federal Government to revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to partner with the government at the centre in that regard.
The governor made the call when he received the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, on a courtesy visit. He emphasized that the revival of the seaports would unlock the full economic potentials of Delta as Nigeria’s maritime hub.
He insisted that the revitalization of the ports would create jobs, attract investments, and boost national revenue, saying: *"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."*
While commending the NPA for its modernization efforts, Oborevwori appealed for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and rehabilitation of Warri and Koko port facilities, stressing that such projects should be treated as national priorities.
Highlighting federal–state collaborations, the governor disclosed that the Federal Government had awarded the Summit Junction–Bridge Head section of the Benin–Asaba Highway to Heartland Construction Company, while the State Government had awarded a section of the Sapele–Warri Road to CCECC at a cost of ₦35 billion. He said these efforts reflect the positive relationship between the state and the centre.
Oborevwori assured prospective investors of improved security, noting that oil installations were no longer under frequent attacks and that the state had enacted a law against illegal levies and harassment of companies. He urged companies operating in the state to honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with host communities by engaging local people, describing the approach as vital to sustaining peace.
The governor also revealed that Julius Berger had returned to Delta after years of absence and is currently handling major flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout. *“Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,”* he said.
In his remarks, Senator Adeleye assured the Board’s readiness to work with the Delta State Government to revive the ports, describing them as strategic gateways capable of boosting trade, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
He explained that the NPA Board, inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, had embarked on a nationwide tour to assess challenges before implementing solutions. According to him, Delta ports contribute about 10.7 percent of Nigeria’s trade volumes, a figure he said could improve significantly with stronger collaboration.
Adeleye, however, identified issues such as underutilization, collapsed quays, shallow drafts, and the need for a deep seaport to attract global shipping traffic. He commended the Delta State Government for supporting security around the ports and fostering cordial relations with host communities, stressing that safety and peace were crucial to sustaining operations.