*Describes deep seaport in Eastern port as key to economic devt
Transport Minister and others during the tour of Onne port
By Francis Ugwoke The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, has expressed optimism that the approval for the development of a deep seaport in Bonny will be achieved before the end of the life of the present administration. Bello Koko who disclosed that there is a proposal for the construction of the deep seaport said some preliminary processes have started for the establishment of the port. He added that the initial location of the deep seaport had to be changed as a result of existing pipelines. Bello Koko who spoke during the facility tour of Onne port by the Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Muazu Sambo, on Thursday, said the new location has been identified with a natural draught of 17 meters. According to him, the next thing was for the Minister to look at it and determine the next option. He described the development of deep seaport in Eastern port as very key to the country. He said this means having two deep seaports in Lagos and another in the East. He expressed optimism that the Minister will get approval for the deep seaport before the end of the life of the present administration. He said, “we hope the Minister will get approval for Bonny Deep seaport. It means the country has deep seaports in different locations of the country. I am sure that in the life of administration, the Minister will get the approval of the Bonny Deep seaport”. The Minister will continue the tour of the Eastern ports today at Port Harcourt terminals after which he will meet with stakeholders.
