The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commenced the process of reviving the abandoned Oguta River Port in Imo.

“We have commenced the process of reviving the Oguta River Port,” said Bola Oyebamiji, NIWA managing director, on Monday.

Mr Oyebamiji spoke at a meeting with the technical team of Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone, led by its managing director, Chioma Nwachukwu, in Abuja.

He said the revitalisation was aimed at restoring the port’s economic relevance and enhancing trade, transportation, and connectivity in the region.

The Oguta River Port, located in Osemoto, Oguta LGA in Imo, was once viable, especially for the movement of palm oil and other goods. It linked Eastern Nigeria to external markets.

In 2009, the federal government proposed to modernise and formalise the port but was unable to do so due to a paucity of funds.

According to Mr Oyebamiji, the government is now ready to partner with private investors and stakeholders to revive the port for commercial usage.

“The port is central to the development of the South-East region. It is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy,” he said.

Mr Oyebamiji said the government, through NIWA, was open to public-private partnership (PPP) for the quick revitalisation of the port facilities.

He said this would ease commercial activities, boost industralisation and link the region with other parts of the country and international trade zones.

Mr Nwachuku, the managing director of Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone, said the company was ready to work with NIWA to actualise the port revitalisation.

She said that reviving the port facility would attract investments, promote industrial activities, and generate employment opportunities in the region.

(NAN)