Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Federal Government has promised to accelerate investments in Onne port infrastructure that will lead to direct and indirect job opportunities for the youths and as well boost the economy.
The Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Mu’azu Jaji Sambo disclosed this on Thursday during his official inspection of the facilities in the terminals at the Onne port in Rivers state.
The Minister who was accompanied by the Managing Director of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Mohammed Bello Koko and other head of agencies under the ministry informed that the development of the Onne port infrastructure will have spillover effects on other economic opportunities across Rivers state and the country.
The Minister further said the anticipated benefits of the new investments in port infrastructure by the Federal Government, would be full- realised through adequate revenue generation from the port.
He added that new investments in the Onne port infrastructure, would have a multiplier effect in stimulating the economy and, eventually, facilitating job creation.
He said: “I can recollect vividly back in the 1980s how all these terminals started. Today, what I am seeing here is amazing and it can even be wholesome.
“We have to continue with this development and I think it would be in the interest of more revenue for our country.
“If you see something good, please, say so. And I say what I am seeing here is good and we will make it better for the sake of our teaming youths that are unemployed simply because the jobs need to be created.
“There is a potential here to generate a lot of jobs for our youths. This project must honestly resume in earnest.
“I will look into it immediately when I get to Abuja and you will see something positive coming out of it,” the Minister assured.”
Read Also: CRFFN Wades Into ANLCA Crises, Inaugurates Reconciliation Committee
He further stressed that there is need for the government to unlock the potential of new markets through development of port facilities stating that, that was part of the reasons he had to visit the Onne port for on-the-spot assessment to better understand the challenges faced by the operators of each of the terminals at the port
The Minister assured the terminal operators that the Federal Government will do everything possible to attract higher patronage to the port; help in actualising efforts to decongest Lagos ports and make the Eastern ports attractive for business.
Sambo also said that all access roads to the port terminal would be addressed by the government to boost trade facilitation at the port.
Speaking on the collapsed quay wall at Intel’s facility, the Minister called for synergy among the key stakeholders and directed the Nigerian Ports Authority to facilitate collaboration as he bemoaned the collapse of quay wall.
The minister gave the assurance of addressing all issues raised by the operators through short, medium and long term approaches.
Kindly like us on Facebook/twitter
