Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has renewed calls on the Federal Government to revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports, stressing that their revitalization would unlock the full economic potential of Delta State as a maritime hub and significantly boost Nigeria’s economy.
The governor made the appeal on Monday while receiving the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, at Government House, Asaba. He explained that reopening and modernizing the ports would create jobs, attract investment, and raise national revenue, adding that upgrading existing ports would have greater impact than building new ones.
Oborevwori commended the modernization drive of the NPA but pressed for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and rehabilitation of Warri and Koko port facilities, which he described as a national priority. He also highlighted ongoing collaborations with the Federal Government to address key infrastructural challenges, pointing to recent contract awards such as the Summit Junction–Bridge head section of the Benin-Asaba Highway and a N35 billion section of the Sapele–Warri Road project.
The governor assured investors of improved security in the state, saying oil installations were no longer under frequent attack and that Delta had enacted legislation against illegal levies and harassment of businesses to protect investments. He urged companies operating in the state to honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities as a way to sustain peace and ensure locals benefit from economic opportunities.
On infrastructure, Oborevwori revealed that Julius Berger had returned to Delta to handle major projects, including flyovers at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and the 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 declared.
In response, NPA Chairman Senator Adeleye expressed the Board’s commitment to work closely with the Delta State Government to revive the ports. He said Delta’s ports are strategic gateways that, if fully optimized, could drive national trade growth and improve Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
Adeleye explained that the Board, inaugurated in June, is currently on a nationwide tour of ports to assess challenges before implementing reforms. He acknowledged the security support provided by the state government and highlighted persistent issues such as underutilization, collapsed quays, shallow drafts, and the need for a deep seaport to attract global shipping lines.
He noted that Delta ports currently contribute about 10.7 percent of Nigeria’s trade volume, but with greater collaboration, they could play a more decisive role in boosting the country’s maritime trade.
The NPA delegation also commended Delta State’s cordial engagement with host communities and commitment to corporate social responsibility, saying these efforts were vital for sustaining peace and port operations.
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