By Rubi Chika

ASABA— Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing the state’s blue economy, expanding maritime infrastructure and strengthening partnerships with international development agencies to unlock new economic opportunities.

Oborevwori stated this on Thursday when he received a delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS, led by Mr. Massimo De Luca, on a courtesy visit.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said Delta was particularly excited by plans to develop the Burutu Port as part of a proposed coastal transportation corridor linking Lagos, Burutu, Onitsha and Ajaokuta.

He said the proposed development of waterways and maritime transportation presented a major opportunity for Delta State, given its extensive network of rivers and waterways.

“We have been talking about the blue economy since the beginning of this administration, and we are all very eager to participate in it and enjoy the enormous benefits that the blue economy has to offer,” Oborevwori said.

According to him, the state government is prepared to provide the necessary cooperation and support to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed maritime project.

Burutu Port Development

The Governor described the proposed investment as particularly significant because of the involvement of the European Union and other development partners.

He said: “We have been talking about developing our blue economy and seaports for many years; to the best of my knowledge, this is the first time I am witnessing such a strong combination of serious-minded institutions and development partners coming together with a clear commitment to making this dream a reality.”

Oborevwori expressed optimism that the partnership would transform the maritime sector and create opportunities for residents and businesses across the state.

He also welcomed the EU delegation’s interest in supporting persons living with disabilities in Delta State through initiatives designed to promote independence, productivity and inclusion.

The Governor assured the delegation that the state government would provide the necessary support and cooperation to bring the proposed projects to fruition.

EU: Burutu Could Become International Port

Earlier, De Luca said the main focus of the delegation’s visit was the Blue Economy and related activities, particularly the proposed Sea Link Project.

He explained that the European Union had a long history of supporting development initiatives in Delta State, including projects in water infrastructure, schools, health centres, civic centres and palm-oil processing facilities.

According to him, the Sea Link Project is designed to establish a coastal and inland water transportation route from Lagos through Burutu and up the River Niger to Onitsha and Ajaokuta.

De Luca said the project was being developed under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, with several partners involved in putting together its financing structure.

He said the project could significantly reduce pressure on Nigeria’s roads by moving more cargo and passenger traffic to waterways.

“The first transformative impact of this project is that it will help shift traffic from the roads to the rivers and coastal waterways; it will also create new business opportunities and stimulate economic activity,” he said.

Lagos-Burutu-Onitsha-Ajaokuta Corridor

De Luca described Burutu as strategically positioned within the Niger Delta and possessing significant geographical and competitive advantages for maritime and inland-waterway transportation.

He acknowledged that the existing port infrastructure would require substantial rehabilitation but said its location offered considerable opportunities for investment.

“The Sea Link, as it is currently envisaged, would establish a route from Lagos, through the coastal corridor to Burutu, and then up the River Niger through Onitsha and onward towards Ajaokuta,” he said.

He added that the proposed investment would cover several components, including barges and port infrastructure, particularly facilities at Burutu.

Burutu as a Potential International Port

Beyond serving as a transit point on the proposed Sea Link route, De Luca said Burutu could potentially be developed into a fully fledged international seaport.

He said the location has the potential to support direct ocean access and international trade, giving the proposed development a broader economic significance.

“We believe Burutu has the potential to become a fully fledged international port; this gives the project a dual aspect,” De Luca said.

He compared the potential of Burutu to the role played by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, while acknowledging that significant investment would be required to realise the vision.

If successfully implemented, the project could position Delta as a major hub for coastal and inland-waterway transportation, while creating new opportunities in logistics, port services, trade, transportation and other sectors of the blue economy.