The central government has been encouraged to utilize the substantial economic opportunities found in the country's water-based resources, especially within the Niger Delta area, to boost overall national development.
To accomplish this, it is important to decentralize port services, which is vital for realizing the complete potential of the nation's blue economy.
During an interview on ADBN Television on Friday, observed in Asaba, the state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, mentioned that the South-South region serves as the natural center of Nigeria's blue economy, since all states in the area are adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.
He highlighted that the overdependence on the Apapa Port in Lagos has limited the development of Nigeria's maritime capabilities.
Mr. Aniagwu pointed out that the Delta State Government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is actively establishing a supportive atmosphere for businesses to thrive, especially within industries connected to the blue economy.
He also emphasized the state's continuous infrastructure initiatives, which involve enhancing road connections between urban and rural regions.
"The Oborevwori administration is building a new road in Asaba that connects to the River Niger, creating prospects and establishing the groundwork for a new city, known as Asaba Waterfront City," he stated.
He also mentioned that people can now travel from Asaba to Warri in only one hour and fifty minutes, due to the completion of a smooth dual carriageway without potholes, significantly improving travel efficiency and regional connection.
Enhanced infrastructure such as the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriage is more than just about facilitating movement. It also plays a key role in promoting trade, drawing in investments, and supporting long-term development. This kind of progress has a widespread impact on various industries.
He highlighted the importance of fully developing and maximizing the current ports in the Niger Delta, such as Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu in Delta State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, Onne Port in Rivers, and Calabar Port in Cross River, as feasible options to Lagos Ports.
Aniagwu also pushed for the creation of a working port in Lokoja and the deepening of the River Niger to enable bigger ships to dock there.
He stated that this would facilitate the transport of goods to the Middle Belt and other regions in Northern Nigeria, decreasing reliance on the overcrowded Apapa Port.
Bringing these ports back to life and expanding them will enable Nigeria to engage more effectively in the global maritime industry," he said. "It will also help diversify our national income sources and decrease our excessive dependence on oil.
He remembered that specialists have consistently promoted funding for advanced port facilities. A properly equipped port network, he mentioned, is essential for smooth import and export operations.
Aniagwu emphasized the need to enhance port infrastructure to handle big ships and heavy cargo, establishing Nigeria as a key maritime trade center in West Africa.
Picture the economic shift that could occur if ports in underused areas were built and run to their maximum potential," he stated. "This would allow for the creation of free trade zones and related facilities throughout different parts of the nation.
Aniagwu urged the appropriate authorities, port administrators, and individuals involved in the maritime industry to push for courageous changes and greater funding for port improvements.
He also emphasized that enhanced port facilities would contribute to prolonging the durability of Nigeria's road system, as the necessity for heavy trucks to carry cargo over extended routes would decrease, leading to less damage to the roads.
"By tackling these enduring issues and adopting fast connectivity along with advanced logistics, we can finally break through the barriers that have held us back for too long," Aniagwu stated.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Posting Komentar