The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman has called on the government and people of Delta State to support the improvement of the ports in the state.
Ms. Usman sought the relief while on facility tour of formations in Delta State weekend, saying “it was necessary for the host community to participate in the proposed developments of the ports for maximum results and protection of the assets”.
Addressing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa during a courtesy call at the end of the tour, she said, “As we proceed in our new proposition to improve our ports and for our ports to function effectively, there is a need for us to have the host community participates in our proposed development.
She said “We also ask for your guidance and support as we embark on new ideas and new developments on our ports in Delta state.
“We understand that there are challenges as relate to our area and for us to overcome the challenges, there is need for us to strengthen our collaboration” she maintained.
In his response, Senator Okowa outlined the necessity of such relationship which according to him includes linking the state with the world, creating jobs for the youths among others.
Okowa however frowned at what he described as growing neglect of federal ports in the state, saying time has come for NPA to make sure that the ports is dredged to be Able to take bigger vessels.
According to him, “I believe that this kind of relationship is very important if we must start now.
“We believe that the port can be more vibrant than it is today and there are challenges that have held down the ports and unfortunately, successive governments have not made it to take away the various challenges.
“Obviously, bigger vessels have not been coming to Warri ports because of the need for dredging and we wish that the dredging will take place during your own time.
“Warri port is very key when you talk of the size of market and traders who are within this environ. When that port becomes more functional than it is today, I believe that most traders in the South East region will be prepared to use that port and the cost of transportation will be cheaper
He said Delta State government has started fixing the roads to enable easy access to the port from various parts of the state as well as serving as panacea for the present economic problems in the country.
“Because of the anticipation of development of that port, the Delta state government has decided to make a dualised road coming from Warri to Ugheli, going back to Port Harcourt.
“When the port is functional, it will increase a lot of activities in the riverine areas and to serve as a gate for us to connect the rest of the world instead of using the land.
“Port development is another way through which you can create a lot of jobs and activities for youths especially at this trying time and anything that is going to create jobs for our youths we are interested and ready to partner.
