The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commenced the process of reviving the abandoned Oguta River Port in Imo.
Mr Bola Oyebamiji, NIWA Managing Director said this on Monday at a meeting with the Technical Team of Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone, led by its Managing Director, Dr Chioma Nwachukwu in Abuja.
He said that the revitalisation was aimed at restoring port’s economic relevance, enhance trade, transportation and connectivity in the region.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oguta River Port, located in Osemoto, Oguta LGA in Imo, was once viable, especially for the movement of palm oil and other goods.
It linked Eastern Nigeria to external markets.
In 2009, the Federal Government proposed to modernise and formalise the port but was unable, due to paucity of funds.
According to Oyebamiji, the government is now ready to partner with private investors and stakeholders to revive the port for commercial usage.
“We have commenced the process of reviving the Oguta River Port.
“The port is central to the development of the South East region.
“It is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy,” he said.
Oyebamiji said that the government, through NIWA, was open to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the quick revitalisation of the port facilities.
This, he said would ease commercial activities, boost industralisation and link the region with other parts of the country and international trade zones.
Nwachuku, the Managing Director of Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone said that the company was ready to work with NIWA to actualise the port revitalisation.
She said that reviving the port facility would attract investments, promote industrial activities and generate employment opportunities in the region.(NAN)
