Delta Governor Pushes for Urgent Revival of Warri, Koko, Sapele, Burutu Ports

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the Federal Government to urgently revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu ports, describing them as vital gateways to unlocking the state’s full economic potential as Nigeria’s maritime hub.

The governor made the appeal on Monday when he received the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, at Government House, Asaba.

Governor Oborevwori said the revitalization of the ports would create massive employment, attract investments, and boost national revenue.

"Delta State is strategically blessed with four ports. If these ports are revived, they will create jobs, stimulate trade, and strengthen the economy of Delta and Nigeria. It is often more impactful to modernize existing ports than to build new ones,” he said.

The governor commended the NPA for its modernization drive but stressed the need for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and rehabilitation of facilities at Warri and Koko ports, describing the interventions as national priorities.

Oborevwori highlighted the positive partnership between Delta and the Federal Government, citing ongoing projects as evidence. He noted that while the Summit Junction Bridge Head section of the Benin–Asaba Highway had been awarded to Heartland Construction by the Federal Government, the state government had also awarded a ₦35 billion contract to CCECC for reconstruction of a section of the Sapele–Warri Road.

The governor assured investors of improved security in Delta, pointing out that oil facilities were no longer frequently attacked and that a peaceful business environment now existed. He added that the state had enacted legislation prohibiting illegal levies and harassment of companies to protect investments.

He, however, urged companies operating in the state to honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities by engaging locals, stressing that such inclusiveness was key to sustaining peace.

On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that Julius Berger  had returned to Delta for the first time in years to handle key flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, DSC Roundabout, and other strategic locations.

“Delta State is open for business, ready for partnership, and determined to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading maritime and economic hub,” Oborevwori affirmed.

Earlier, NPA Chairman, Senator Adeleye, pledged the board’s readiness to partner with the Delta State Government to restore vibrancy to the ports.

He noted that the Delta ports Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu were strategic gateways that, if fully optimized, could significantly boost trade, create jobs, and grow the economy.

Adeleye explained that the board, inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, had embarked on a nationwide tour of ports to assess challenges before rolling out solutions.

He listed collapsed quays, shallow drafts, underutilization, and the absence of a deep seaport as major concerns, stressing that stronger collaboration was needed to attract global shipping traffic.

"Delta ports currently contribute about 10.7 percent of national trade volumes, which is impressive, but there is room for improvement. With stronger collaboration, we can restore the vibrancy of these ports and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime trade,”* Adeleye said.

The NPA delegation also commended the state government for enhancing security around the ports and fostering peaceful relations with host communities.