Group Urges NPA to Collaborate with NIWA to Fast Track Oguta River Port Development
DANTSOHO, MD, NPA
By Francis Ugwoke
The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to consider collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to fast track the development of the Oguta River Port in Imo state for the purpose of promoting economic growth in the South Eastern part of the country.
In a press statement signed by the Head, Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC)
Dr. Eugene Nweke, the group said the authority should leverage its expertise and resources to drive the development of the Oguta River Port project.
“This call to action is prompted by the policy thrusts of the NPA’s Managing Director, which emphasizes adding administrative impetus towards the evolution of modern ports regime centered on trade facilitation, effectiveness, and efficiency. Prompted by these policy thrusts, SEREC believes that the development of the Oguta River Port project is a crucial step towards achieving this vision”, the statement said..
According to Nweke, Oguta River Port project which is currently 61% completed but abandoned, has the potential to transform the region’s economy and promote trade facilitation.
“With its strategic location and vast potential, the Oguta River Port project has the potential to handle over 35% of marine business in Nigeria, create over 2 million jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the region,” said Fwd Eugene Nweke, Head of SEREC.
To support the development of the Oguta River Port project, SEREC proposes the following options for NPA’s consideration:
“1. Collaborate with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to join expertise and experience in managing inland waterways and ports.
“2. Offer technical assistance to NIWA in areas such as port operations, infrastructure development, and logistics management.
“3. Jointly advocate for funding and resources from the Federal Government to complete the project.
“4. Explore the concessioning model to attract private sector investment and expertise.
“5. Plan and develop infrastructure such as warehouses, storage facilities, and cargo handling equipment to support the port’s operations.
“6. Provide regulatory guidance and support to ensure compliance with national and international port standards.
“By working together with NIWA and exploring these options, NPA can play a crucial role in driving the development of the Oguta River Port project forward, thereby supporting the Managing Director’s policy thrusts and contributing to the growth and development of the region’s economy”.
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