The Federal Government declared yesterday that it is steadfastly committed to accelerating investment in Onne Port infrastructure, which would generate thousands of new employment for young people in both direct and indirect industries and strengthen the economy.
Alhaji Mu'azu Jaji Sambo, the minister of transportation, revealed this yesterday during his official inspection of the facilities in each of the port's terminals.
The minister added that other economic prospects across Rivers state and the nation will be impacted by the development of the Onne Port infrastructure.
The minister predicted that sufficient revenue generation from the port will allow the Federal Government to fully realise the anticipated benefits of its increased investments in port infrastructure.
New investments in the Onne port infrastructure, the minister insisted, would also have a multiplier effect in stimulating the economy and, eventually, facilitating job creation.
” I can recollect vividly back in the 80s how all these terminals started. Today, what I am seeing here is amazing and it can even be wholesome.
“We have to continue with this development and I think we should in the interest of more revenue for our country. If you see something good, please, say so. And I say what I am seeing here is good and we will make it better for the sake of our teaming youths that are unemployed simply because the jobs need to be created.
“There is a potential here to generate a lot of jobs for our youths. This project must honestly resume in earnest.
“I will look into it immediately when I get to Abuja and you will see something positive coming out of it,” the Minister assured.”
The minister stated that one of the reasons he had to go to the Onne Port to conduct the sport assessment was so he could better understand the difficulties the operators of each of the port's terminals faced in trying to open up the potential of new markets through the development of port facilities.
The minister gave the operators the reassurance that the Federal Government would do everything in its power to increase port traffic, aid in the implementation of plans to relieve congestion in Lagos ports, and increase the commercial appeal of the Eastern ports.
Sambo added that the government would improve trade facilitation at the port by addressing all access roads to the port terminal.
The Minister lamented the collapse of the quay wall at Intel's plant and appealed for collaboration among the major players, directing the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to make it possible.
Sambo promised that all of the issues brought up by the operators would be addressed in the short, medium, and long terms.
The minister expressed his admiration for the degree of improvement he saw at the port before telling reporters that he was finished. Sambo advised, "If you see anything good, say it is excellent."