The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday inaugurated a 4.8km road “D” project and six mooring boats at the Onne Port Complex, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola said that the road, constructed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), was a demonstration of the ministry’s commitment to make the port more viable.
He said that the project was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to maximize opportunities within the maritime sector.
”This is part of the measures we are taking to enhance the ease of doing business in Onne Port
”The ministry is committed to leverage Nigeria’s maritime resources under the directives of the president,” he said.
The minister said that the mooring boats would enhance boat safety and general security within the maritime space.
Oyetola said that the Federal Government was committed towards deepening the efficiencies and full capacity utilisation of the ports in the eatern axis.
‘We are now poised more than ever to give the NPA all the support to address factors responsible for the under-utilisation of these national assets,” he said.
The minister stated that by providing port infrastructure, investor confidence would be deepened for more patronage of the eastern ports.
”I was delighted to learn that Onne and Calabar Port complexes have met the requirements of the International Organisation for Standardisation and are now certified.
”This shows they we are doing something right but we cannot rest on this determination until all other ports are certified.
”I have been briefed on the growth in numbers especially for exports emanating from Onne Port Complex, and I am impressed.
”I am poised to provide the facilitation and advocacy required to grow the vessel traffic to this important nucleus of growth,” he said.
Oyetola stated that more economic growth would be achieved if more investments were done in port infrastructure.
The minister commended the management of NPA for being prudent with the application of resources that financed the project.
Oyetola reiterated his commitment to grant prompt approvals to initiatives that would enable continuous improvement in the performance of the ports.
In his speech, the Managing Director, NPA, Mohammed BelIo-Koko, thanked the minister for his support to the authority.
He said that the road and mooring boats projects could only be completed because of the support from the ministry.
Beklo-Koko said that the completion of the Road “D” project which linked Berths 9, 10, 11 and 12 at Federal Ocean Terminal woukd help to grow new business opportunities and increased revenue for the nation.
”This road stretches over a total of 4.8km, covering two container terminals. It will cater for no fewer than 1,000 trucks daily.
”This is a testimony that as an authority, we are repositioning for growth, competitiveness and future-readiness.
”The road has a 250mm thickness concrete reinforcement provided for median and side drain with high mast tower Lighting of dual carriageway.
”We are aware that a good road infrastructure requires sound marine craft and equipment, so we added six modern mooring boats to enhance habour operations efficiency,” he said.
Bello-Koko solicited the ministry’s support for concrete fencing of the stretch of land in the port to guard against unauthorised access.
”This will also enhance the security of the investments that will spring up with the opening of this road.
The managing director commended the concessionaires for their huge investments, describing it as indicative of their confidence in the system.
