Delta Government pledges to make Ports in the State functional

The Delta State Government has promised to make Ports in the State functional and assured that the enabling environment will be created for Shippers’ business to thrive.

Our Correspondent reports that the assurance was given Thursday April 28 by the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bar. Mary Awotu Iyasere, who was represented by the Director of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Agency in the Minsitry, during an enlightenment Seminar organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in Warri.

In the same vein, the Ovie of Uvwie, His Royal Majesty, Abe1, Emmanuel Sideso who was represented by the Ugo and Atete Chiefs, noted that issues affecting Delta Ports border on insecurity, high tariff as well as underutilization.

Speaking on the underutilization of the Ports, the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Edwin Abraka, noted that there was a need to reposition and address issues facing the Ports.

He quipped that among the salient issues which discouraged shippers from the Delta Port, Warri were local pilots and poor inland road transport, which he stated that the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has handled.

He disclosed that a committee was set up and their recommendation was used to tackle the issue of local pilots and there was the dualization of Ughelli-Asaba Road to connect East-West Highway to Benin-Onitsha Highway to provide smooth land transportation from the Ports to the Eastern States.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Barr. Hassan Bello, who was represented by the Director, Inland Transport Services, Akintunde Makinde, stated that the council intends to encourage the optimal utilization of the Delta Ports by persuading exporters/importers within the Niger Delta region to boost their international trade as well as reduce the high cost associated with using the Ports.

He quipped that it is their belief that stakeholders could be stimulated to grow value added agro-business that will boost export operations in the Ports.

Keynote speakers spoke on the central theme” “Enhancing International Trade Through Effective Utilization of Delta Ports”, Akintunde Makinde spoke on “Promoting Fair Competition Among Stakeholders in Delta Port”, while Sir Sam Epiah, dealt on the topic “Improving Commercial Activities at the Delta Port Through Sustainable Transport Infrastructure” and Chief Tony Okome spoke on “Potentials of Delta Ports in Boosting International Trade”.

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