Maritime

Oborevwori Urges FG To Revive 4 Seaports In Delta

Published

11 months ago

August 1, 2025

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the Federal Government to revive the four seaports in the to unlock the state’s economic potential as Nigeria’s maritime hub.

The Governor, who listed the ports as Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu seaports, made the call when the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Sen. Adedayo Adeleye, called on him at Government House, Asaba.

Oborevwori assured of his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government to effectively revive the four seaports in the state to unlock the full economic potential of rhe State.

He insisted that the revitalisation of the ports would create jobs, attract investments, and boost national revenue.

“Delta State is strategically blessed with four seaports. If these ports are revived, they will create massive employment, stimulate trade, and strengthen the economy of Delta and Nigeria.

“It is often more impactful to modernise existing ports than to build new ones”.

He lauded the NPA for its modernisation efforts but appealed for urgent dredging of the Warri Channel and the rehabilitation of Warri and Koko Port facilities, stressing that such interventions needed to be treated as national priorities.

The Governor disclosed that the state was working closely with the Federal Government to tackle critical infrastructural challenges.

According to him, these collaborations are already yielding results.

“The Federal Government has awarded the Summit Junction–Bridge head section of the Benin-Asaba Highwa I havey to Heartland Construction Company, while the State Government has awarded a section of the Sapele–Warri Road project to CCECC at a cost of N35 billion.

“This is a clear demonstration of the positive relationship between the state and the centre”, Oborevwori explained.

He assured potential investors of improved security in the state, noting that oil installations were no longer under frequent attacks and that the environment was now peaceful for business.

He said the state had enacted a law against the collection of illegal levies and harassment of companies to protect investments.

He urged companies operating in the state to honour their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities by engaging local people, who, he noted, are strategic and key to sustaining harmony.

The Governor also highlighted ongoing projects, adding that Julius Berger had returned to the state for the first time in years, handling major flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout, among others.

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

Earlier, Sen. Adeleye pledged the Board’s readiness to work closely with the Delta Government to revive the ports in the state and enhance their contribution to Nigeria’s maritime economy.

He said Delta seaports — Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu were strategic gateways that, if fully optimised, would boost trade, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

Adeleye noted that the NPA Board, inaugurated in June by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, embarked on a nationwide tour of ports to assess challenges firsthand before implementing solutions.

The NPA boss commended the Delta Government for supporting security around the ports, stressing that safety remained crucial to sustaining operations.

He also highlighted issues of underutilization, collapsed quays, shallow channels, and the need for a deep seaport to attract global shipping traffic.

“Delta ports currently contribute about 10.7 per cent of national trade volumes, which is impressive, but there is room for improvement.

“With stronger collaboration, we can restore the vibrancy of these ports and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime trade,” Adeleye said.

Business

Navy Hands Over Five Suspected Stowaways to NIS

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over five suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

The suspects were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MT Chinafrie Happiness, in an attempted illegal voyage out of the country.

This was contained in a statement issued by Sub Lieutenant A.O. Ajayi, Naval Assistant to the Commander, NNS Beecroft.

The statement said the Handover is part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security, curbing illegal migration, and enhancing safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

According to the statement, the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The five suspects were safely evacuated by Naval Personnel’s and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation, profiling, and documentation before being transferred to immigration authorities for further action.

The statement gave their identity as Segun Samuel Boyewa (31), Kingsley Chukwu (43), Joseph Judge (33), Moses Aletor (24), and Abdullahi Danlami (31).

Preliminary findings indicated that the individuals allegedly boarded the vessel while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port with the intention of stowing away to India without valid travel documentation or authorisation.

The statement also noted that stowaway attempts pose significant risks to human life and maritime safety, as individuals often hide in hazardous compartments of vessels under extreme conditions that could lead to injury or death.

The Naval statement warned that illegal boarding of ships remains a serious maritime security challenge and called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in such dangerous and unlawful acts.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Beecroft to sustained maritime security operations in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at maintaining a professional and effective naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations for national security.

Chinedu Wosu

Business

Navy Nabs 13 Black Sand Miners In Bayelsa –Impound Two Boats

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy has arrested Thirteen 13 Black Sand miners in Bayelsa state

The Service also impounded two Wooden Boats used for the illegal operations

Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Abuja.

Folorunsho said with the operation, the Navy had recorded another operational success in its efforts to curb illegal exploitation of natural resources

According to Folorunsho the operation was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.

He said the intelligence revealed the boats were operating within the coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area.

“Acting on the intelligence, Naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.

“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity,” he said.

The Naval Director of information said that the successful operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes, while maintaining security and stability within the nation’s waterways,” he said.

Folorunsho also said that the two wooden boats recovered, the black sand and the 13 suspects have subsequently been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He said this was done in line with the extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa Government.

The Naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources.

Folorunsho assured that it would also ensure that the nation’s waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.

CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

NCS Holds Free Medical Outreach For 2,000 Daura Residents

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its 7th Retreat Medical Outreach in Daura, Katsina State,

Customs said the Free medical outreach is aimed at providing free healthcare services to residents of the area.

Speaking during the event, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the programme would provide general medical consultations, dental care, eye and ear care, as well as minor surgical operations for beneficiaries.

Tijjani-Abe said medical teams deployed for the exercise would also provide free medications to patients attending the outreach.

He added that the service would visit schools within the area to deworm students and distribute health kits and mosquito nets to help prevent malaria among children.

Also Speaking, Dr Ethelbert Ikechukwu, Medical Team Leader of the outreach said the exercise was part of the initiative of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which had been carried out in different parts of the country over the years.

According to him, the programme is designed to support communities where customs personnel operate by offering free medical consultations and medications to residents.

Ikechukwu further explained that patients whose conditions could not be fully managed at the outreach centre would be referred to appropriate medical facilities for further treatment.

Ikechukwu urged members of the public to take advantage of the exercise, noting that the medical teams comprised highly qualified healthcare professionals.

The outreach targets about 2,000 patients across various areas of medical care.