Burutu Port Revival: Oborevwori Backs EU-Funded Blue Economy Project

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, stated on Thursday that his administration is committed to transforming the state’s maritime sector, expanding infrastructure, and deepening partnerships with international development agencies to drive sustainable economic growth.

Governor Oborevwori spoke when he received a courtesy call from a European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, led by Mr. Massimo De Luca. The Governor was represented at the meeting by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.

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According to the Governor, he was very happy with the assurance given by Mr. De Luca that plans are in top gear for the development of Burutu Port as part of a coastal corridor from Lagos through Burutu to Onitsha and Ajaokuta.

State Government Reaffirms Commitment to Maritime Infrastructure

Speaking through Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the administration’s focus on unlocking the state’s maritime potential.

He said:

“We have been talking about the blue economy since the beginning of this administration, and we are all very eager to participate in it and enjoy the enormous benefits that the blue economy has to offer.”

Highlighting the state’s natural waterways, he noted the significant opportunities presented by the proposed transportation network:

“In particular, the proposed development of waterway and maritime transportation across the region presents a very exciting opportunity for Delta State.”

He expressed the state government’s full readiness to support the regional shipping project:

“As a state with an extensive network of waterways, we are ready to provide all the necessary cooperation and support to enable this dream which is indeed our collective dream to become a reality.”

Reflecting on previous efforts to develop maritime infrastructure, the Governor highlighted the unprecedented alignment of key international stakeholders behind the initiative:

“We have been talking about developing our blue economy and seaports for many years; to the best of my knowledge, this is the first time I am witnessing such a strong combination of serious-minded institutions and development partners coming together with a clear commitment to making this dream a reality.”

He added:

“With the European Union, development partners, and all these important institutions standing together in support of this initiative, there is every reason to be optimistic.”

Extending appreciation to the visiting delegation, the Governor acknowledged the enduring relationship between Delta State and the European Union:

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, we sincerely appreciate you for your continued partnership and support.”

The Governor also commended the European Union for its commitment to social inclusion within the state:

“We have also heard about your willingness to work and cooperate with the state to improve the lives of persons living with disabilities, particularly by providing the necessary support and opportunities to enable them to live more independent and productive lives; this is a very important area, and we commend you for the initiative.”

Reaffirming the state’s complete backing for the project, he concluded:

“On behalf of the Government of Delta State, I assure you that we will provide all the necessary support and cooperation required to bring this project to fruition.”

European Union Details the Sea Link Project Framework

Earlier in his remarks, the head of the EU delegation, Mr. Massimo De Luca, outlined the core objectives of their visit to the state.

Mr. De Luca said:

“the main focus of our visit to Delta State has indeed been the Blue Economy and related activities. Our presentation today will focus mainly on the Sea Link Project.”

He noted the long-standing record of European Union involvement in local development across Delta State:

“As you probably know, the European Union has a long legacy of supporting development initiatives in Delta State. Over the years, we have supported dozens of community projects across various local government areas, in fact, across all the local government areas of the state.”

Elaborating on past community investments, Mr. De Luca specified:

“These projects included water infrastructure, schools, health centres, civic centres, palm-oil processing facilities and other community-based investments.”

Addressing regional transport priorities, Mr. De Luca underscored the strategic importance of developing coastal water shipping routes:

“The Sea-Link Project is very important; for more than a decade, Nigeria and West Africa have had the development of coastal transportation along the West African coast high on the agenda.”

He outlined the logical expansion of regional transport links within Nigeria:

“In the case of Nigeria, an obvious extension of this concept is the development of a link between the major ports currently centred around Lagos and the Niger Delta, extending further up the River Niger.”

He connected the project to the European Union’s broader global policy agenda, mentioning prior diplomatic discussions:

“Under what we call the Global Gateway strategy, the general framework which, I believe, my Ambassador also discussed with the Governor during his visit a few months ago.”

Explaining the primary economic and operational benefits of the initiative, Mr. De Luca stated:

“The first transformative impact of this project is that it will help shift traffic from the roads to the rivers and coastal waterways; it will also create new business opportunities and stimulate economic activity.”

Strategic Vision and Financing for Burutu Port

Turning to specific infrastructure within Delta State, Mr. De Luca identified Burutu Port as a vital geographical asset for the Sea Link Project.

He explained:

“When you look at the geography of the project, we already have an existing Port that may require substantial rehabilitation, but it is strategically located in the Niger Delta. I am referring to the Port of Burutu.”

Highlighting Burutu’s natural logistical advantages, Mr. De Luca added:

“Burutu has excellent geographical conditions and significant competitive advantages in terms of accessibility and its potential to support maritime and inland, waterway transportation.”

He detailed the envisioned shipping corridor route connecting key commercial and industrial hubs:

“The Sea Link, as it is currently envisaged, would establish a route from Lagos, through the coastal corridor to Burutu, and then up the River Niger through Onitsha and onward towards Ajaokuta.”

Addressing the financial planning and institutional backing behind the initiative, Mr. De Luca disclosed:

“We are already putting together the various pieces of the financing structure because there is a consortium involving several parties that will participate in the project.”

He outlined the multi-faceted capital investments required to realize the network:

“The required investments will involve several components, including barges and port infrastructure, particularly infrastructure at Burutu.”

Furthermore, Mr. De Luca highlighted the broader potential of Burutu Port beyond regional river transit:

“In the case of Burutu, we also see the potential for developing the port beyond simply being a stopover along the route to the River Niger.”

He described a dual-purpose development concept for the port facility:

“We believe Burutu has the potential to become a fully fledged international port; this gives the project a dual aspect.”

Comparing Burutu’s ultimate potential to major global shipping infrastructure, Mr. De Luca concluded:

“There is the potential to develop Burutu into a Port that is open to the ocean and international trade, similar in some respects to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.”