Vincent Toritseju
Lagos – Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, says the partnership between the Benin River Port, BRP, and Port of Antwerp from Belgium will see the BRP become both a cargo handling port and an industrial complex to facilitate industrial production in the state.
Recall that the state governor recently met with the BRP Project Committee and officials of the Port of Antwerp over driving the Benin River Ports project to conclusion.
While the Chairman of the BRP Project Committee, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, led his team, the Manager of Ports Project, Port of Antwerp International, Mr. Phillippee Droesbeke, led the contingents of the Belgian port to the meeting.
The Benin River Port is among the legacy projects by the Governor Obaseki administration to drive industrial and economic growth in Edo. The port, upon completion, will boost export earnings, create employment opportunities, expand the economic value chain and open up new business opportunities in the state.
“We are glad to be partnering with the Port of Antwerp from Belgium to finalise the Benin River Port Project, a key project in our pursuit to drive industrialization and economic growth in Edo State,” Governor Obaseki said, adding: “This arrangement will see the Benin Port become both a cargo handling port and an industrial complex which will handle industrial production across various value chains.
“The project will take advantage of the vast gas reserves in the area which will support industrial production and operation of the port and industrial complex.”
Mr Ogbeifun said the state government has continued to record sustained progress in its drive to develop the Benin River Port, assuring that the new partnership with the Port of Antwerp will see to the finalisation of the project.
“According to him, “The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) is actively working with the Edo State Government and the Port of Antwerp on the project and will be the regulators of the port on completion.
Commending the governor for creating a conducive environment to attract investors into the state, Ogbeifun noted that the port is well-positioned to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, arrangement.
Follow us on twitter
