The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, together with members of the Benin River Port Project Committee (BRP), have finalized plans with Antwerp Port of Belgium to partner and complete the Benin River Port project.
This was gathered at a meeting of the Benin River Port Project Committee (BRP) with the governor and representatives of the Port of Antwerp.
While the Chairman of the BRP Project Committee, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun led his team, the Port Project Manager, Port of Antwerp International, Mr. Phillippee Droesbeke, led the Port of Antwerp contingent in a meeting with the governor, viz. set to drive the Benin River Ports project to conclusion.
The Benin River Port is one of the legacy projects by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to spur industrial and economic growth in Edo. The port, once completed, will boost export earnings, create employment opportunities, expand the economic value chain and open up new business opportunities in the country.
Speaking on the partnership, Governor Obaseki said the arrangement would see Benin Port become a cargo handling port and industrial complex to facilitate industrial production in Edo.
According to him, “We are happy to work with Antwerp Port of Belgium to complete the Benin River Port Project, a major project to drive industrialization and economic growth in Edo State.”
The governor further noted, “This arrangement will see Benin Port become a cargo handling port and an industrial complex that will handle industrial production across the various value chains.
“The project will benefit from the vast gas reserves in the area that will support industrial production and the operation of ports and industrial complexes.”
Ogbeifun said the state government has continued to record sustained progress in the drive to develop the Benin River Port, reassuring that the new partnership with the Port of Antwerp will see to the finalization of the project.
“According to him,” the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is actively working with the Edo State Government and the Port of Antwerp on the project and will become the regulator of the port upon completion.
Addressing the governor to create a conducive environment to attract investors to the country, Ogbeifun noted that the port is well positioned to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He added, “The African Continental Free Trade Area has added to the project.”
On his part, Droesbeke, said the Port of Antwerp is very happy to work with the Edo State Government on the Benin River Port project as it will bring great economic benefits to Edo, Nigeria, and Belgium.