The Edo State Government has brought to the attention of the general public a number of significant developments regarding the Benin River Port Project referred to by many as the Ghele-Ghele port.
In a chart with Crossfire Reports, the Edo State Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare said that, given the stahe government’s commitment towards the realization of the Benin Port Project, the Godwin Obaseki led administration has relentlessly initiated a policy framework that has fast-tracked the actualization of the core phases of the project.
“Consequently, the State Government has obtained a clearance certificate for the Outline Business Case (OBC) from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the ESIA certificate from the Ministry of Environment as well as Certificate of Occupancy ( C of O) for the entire Port Community area.
“The purpose of the proposed project is to enhance the national water transportation capacity and to develop a multi-purpose port with the capability to handle container and general cargo.
“The State Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), have therefore called for bids for the development of the Benin Port (on an area of approximately 20 hectares) under a public-private partnership (PPP).
Nehikhare stated further that, the preferred private partner’s responsibilities will include designing, building, financing, operating, maintaining, and transferring land and marine infrastructure, including quays, yards, buildings, infrastructure services, and marine bollards, among others.
“Building a port is not a walk in the park, the Government of Edo State yet met and exceeded the requirements.
Nehìkhare concluded that, the Benin River Port project is on course and will be delivered.
