The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has unveiled plans to revive Delta Ports as part of its strategy to decongest Lagos ports and stimulate economic growth.
Chairman of the NPA Board, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, disclosed this during a four-day working visit to Delta Ports, where he reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure to boost trade, create jobs, and enhance regional competitiveness.
Adeyeye, alongside board members, met with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Orodje of Okpe, HRM Orhue I, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, port stakeholders, and community leaders.
“This Board will ensure that the Delta Ports are fully operational for the prosperity of our nation and the benefit of the local people.
“We were told the ports were dead, yet they are still generating revenue. But Nigerians are not getting the best out of this infrastructure,” Adeteye said.
To tackle the recurring problems of shallow draught and siltation, Adeyeye announced the creation of a Delta Channel Management Company, similar to those in Lagos and Calabar, to undertake year-round dredging and keep waterways navigable.
He also promised reforms to address youth unemployment and ensure local participation in port operations. “We will ensure that qualified youths from this area benefit. Policies will be made to tackle the issues raised by stakeholders,” he said, adding that it was inefficient for importers serving North Central and Eastern Nigeria to continue routing goods through Lagos when Delta Ports could serve them.
The monarchs welcomed the initiative, underscoring the ports’ historical and economic significance. The Orodje recalled that the first port in Nigeria was built in Delta as early as 1472 by Portuguese explorers, and urged the dredging of the Escravos Bar and River Niger to enable larger vessels to berth.
“We cannot succeed in our marine and blue economy plans until our ports are viable. Today, it costs more to offload goods in Nigeria than in Togo. That must change,” the Orodje said.
The Olu of Warri also pressed for urgent solutions to shallow draught issues and the relocation of a critical gas pipeline blocking large vessels from accessing the port. “Once that is addressed, everything will fall into place. We are fully aligned with the Federal Government’s plan and will give all necessary support,” he assured.
Delta Ports Manager, Mr. Sa’adu Mohammed, noted that while the ports were underutilised, they continued to generate revenue despite challenges such as collapsed breakwaters, poor dredging, lack of pilotage services, and limited employment opportunities.
Stakeholders further called for tariff harmonisation across Nigeria’s ports and the redirection of inland-bound cargo from Lagos to Delta to reduce congestion and logistics costs.
