1. The Benin River Port is a redevelopment of the Gelegele Port, one of Nigeria pre-colonial ports which was used to facilitate trade between the Benin Kingdom and the world. The Port was where the Portuguese first had contact with the Benin Kingdom in 1472 AD

2. The project site is located at the confluence of Osse River and Benin River, making it the closest port to the sea after the ports of Lagos, at only 32km from the coastline. The Port will sit on an area of approximately 20 hectares.

1. The Port is the nearest port east of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the recently commissioned Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex and will serve as the most efficient port for evacuation of products and goods from both outfits. As Edo is a transportation hub with routes to every part of Nigeria, the proximity will be a major attraction to shippers. It will also reduce the sailing time of ships into the hinterland, along with the associated security risks

2. It will feature an Agro-Industrial Park (on an area of approximately 717 hectares) and will lie adjacent to the Benin Port. This unique agro-based Port encompasses a complete smart Port Community Complex for industrial processing and export of agricultural produce and other goods. It will also feature independent, clean and renewable energy installations.

1. The container and multipurpose terminals of the port would house RoRo facilities to enable importation of vehicles for the thriving automobile industry in Edo, among other commercial activities that would feed from the port operations

2. The Port is to have land and marine infrastructure such as quays, yards, buildings, infrastructure services, marine bollards as well as container terminal operations and maintenance for a capacity of 300,000 TEUs per annum

3. It will have adequate land area for Trailer Park, General Industrial Park, Housing Areas, all in addition to the Port Terminal Complex itself

1. It is also to be equipped with cargo handling, stevedoring, warehousing and delivery capabilities among others

2. In the future a Railway link is being proposed from Agbor to the Port to further facilitate movement of goods from all over the country

    

Governor Obaseki’s dedication to proper planning and execution has been evident throughout his 7 years in office. He has shown tremendous ability to bring down restrictive and retrogressive obstacles to achieve success. He has also shown capacity in bringing stakeholders together, including investors, local communities, and government agencies, to collaborate on critical projects for the good of Edo people. This collaborative approach not only ensures that all perspectives are considered but also helps to build trust and this has been evident in the development of the Benin River Port.

Ikponmwosa Osamede (Ik Osamede) writes from Benin City