As part of measures to develop maritime infrastructure and ease congestion at the country’s ports, plans are underway to finalise the establishment and commencement of a deep sea port in Agge in Ekeremor local government area, Bayelsa state.
The $3billion project is a joint Public Private Partnership project of the Bayelsa State, the federal government, and a major private investor.
The proposed deep seaport is expected to create more jobs and promote socioeconomic activities in the area, attract more investment, and make the state a major transport hub for the north and southeastern parts of the country.
According to sources from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, a Project Delivery Team from the Ministry is in Bayelsa to work closely with the Bayelsa State government in finetuning plans to commence the project.
In line with his objectives to improve port infrastructure, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola said the ministry is making efforts to improve port infrastructure and connectivity and facilitate the ongoing development of critical maritime infrastructure in the country.
The team, according to a source familiar with the project, is in Bayelsa on the mandate of the Minister to fast-track the commencement of the project.
The Minister is optimistic that the project will help close the maritime infrastructure gap in the country.
The Bayelsa State Governor had last year, during a courtesy call on the minister in Abuja, solicited the support of the Federal Government towards the development of the deep seaport in Agge to harness the state’s blue economy potential.
Oyetola, during the visit, acknowledged the blue economy potential in the state and noted that the federal government will explore the Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach to ensure the completion of the project.
It was also learnt that the Ministry is working towards attracting more private sector investments and Foreign Direct Investment to develop the country’s maritime infrastructure, which would further position Nigeria as a leader among maritime nations.
Upon completion, it is expected that the Agge deep seaport project will attract multi-billion naira investment to the State, which is regarded as a major maritime hub of the nation.
It was also hinted that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach would be explored in the development of other proposed deep seaport projects in other parts of the country.
