In a bid to revive the Port of Warri in Delta State, the federal government has awarded contract for remedial dredging of Escravos channel.
This was disclosed in Warri on Tuesday by the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko when he paid a working visit to the facilities.
He noted that the dredging will expand the channel to enable large vessels visit the port without incidents of running aground.
“We all know that the breakwaters collapsed about 10 years ago, and there has been high siltation resulting in reduction of the draft from 7 meters to 3 meters in some places,” Bello-Koko said.
According to him, NPA has also started the mapping and charting of the Escravos channel, starting from the fairway buoy down to Koko Port, which has not been done for over a decade or more.
“The essence is to enable us to be able to know the draft along the way and also ensure that the navigational aids are properly placed. This is because there are some decisions that can only be taken after knowing that the channel has been properly mapped and surveyed,” he said.
The MD further said, the efforts put together means that NPA is beginning to pay attention to the ports outside Lagos.
“We have a special interest in ensuring that Warri and other ports are more active. This is why we have been holding stakeholders meetings and we are going to Port Harcourt for another one.
“This enables us to engage with the importers and exporters for them to know that these ports are available for use. We will deploy more marine equipment and ensure that the signals are also working to ensure safe navigation of vessels, ” he added.
Bello-Koko said, the development will bring joy to the people especially those that are into the business of importation, who have been yearning for the decongestion of the Lagos port and the bringing of business to the Warri port.
Meanwhile, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, who spoke during the visit of the NPA boss and his management team to the Olu’s palace to seek royal support in reviving the Warri Port, expressed satisfaction on the visit of the NPA new management to Warri Port as the first port of call after his confirmation as the managing director.
Speaking when the NPA MD and his entourage visited his palace, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, said the eastern ports needed to be opened up for the benefit of the importing community.
The Olu said that sea ports generally drive economies of the cities where they are located.
He assured the NPA management of his kingdom support to achieve the goal of opening up Warri Port for business.