Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the federal government to resuscitate and modernise the state’s four ports—Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, highlighting their potential to drive significant growth for both the local and national economies.

Speaking on Monday in Asaba during a courtesy visit from the Nigerian Ports Authority Board of Directors, led by Chairman, Prince Senator Adedayo Adeleye, Governor Oborevwori stressed that revitalising the ports would generate employment, enhance infrastructure, attract domestic and foreign investment, and increase national revenue.

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

Oborevwori, while commending the Nigerian Ports Authority’s ongoing modernisation initiatives, called for the immediate dredging of the Warri Channel and the refurbishment of Warri and Koko port facilities.

He highlighted that Delta State’s collaboration with the federal government was yielding tangible results, citing the Summit Junction–Niger Bridgehead section of the Benin–Asaba Highway awarded to Heartland Construction Company and a portion of the Sapele–Warri Road project assigned to CCECC at a cost of N35 billion.

The governor reassured investors of improved security, noting that oil facilities were no longer under frequent attack and that the business environment had grown more stable.

He also underscored a state law prohibiting illegal levies and harassment of companies, aimed at protecting investments.

Emphasizing the importance of local engagement, Oborevwori urged companies to honour their Memoranda of Understanding with host communities to maintain harmonious relations.

On infrastructure, he noted that Julius Berger had returned to execute major projects, including flyovers at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout along the Warri–Effurun corridor.

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

The Chairman of the NPA Board, Senator Adeleye reaffirmed the board’s commitment to partnering with Delta State to revitalise its ports and maximise their impact on Nigeria’s maritime economy.

He described the ports as strategic gateways that, if fully leveraged, could expand trade, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth.

Noting that Delta ports currently account for approximately 10.7 per cent of national trade volumes, Senator Adeleye acknowledged the achievement while stressing that closer collaboration could further enhance the ports’ performance.