FG Approves $1.6b for New Warri, Port Harcourt Ports

• FG Approves $1.6b for New Warri, Port Harcourt Ports

Federal Government has approved $1.6 billion for the construction of two seaports in the South-South to ease Lagos congestion, according to Mr Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transporation.

The minister made the statement during the empowerment of 1,700 women and youths organised by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Mr Festus Keyamo in the Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the Minister, the two seaports would be built in Bonny, Rivers State and the Pessu area of Warri Delta State. He added that each port would cost $800 million.

Amaechi said, “The Federal Government is set to build a new seaport in Pessu and a similar one in Bonny in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State. The seaport (project) will gulp $800m each.”

He, however, warned the youths to desist from disrupting the execution of the project, “When you stop them from working, you are losing such a huge investment where the entire community can be contractors; some can supply sand.”

“The best thing to do is to allow the development. Imagine the companies that have left Warri; let the seaport project go on smoothly,” the minister stated.

Speaking on empowerment, Keyamo said the Federal Government is working hard to lift millions of Nigeria’s out of poverty, adding that they should expect more empowerment programme under President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Among items distributed were, sewing machines, knitting machines and welding machines. Also, cash was distributed as empowerment programme.