Host communities ask FG to utilize South-South Seaports
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has appealed to the Federal Government to utilize key seaports in the South-South zone as a strategic pathway to job creation, economic growth and national logistics efficiency. The group said activating Sapele, Warri, Burutu, Koko, Onne and the Ibom Deep Seaport would ease pressure on […]
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has appealed to the Federal Government to utilize key seaports in the South-South zone as a strategic pathway to job creation, economic growth and national logistics efficiency.
The group said activating Sapele, Warri, Burutu, Koko, Onne and the Ibom Deep Seaport would ease pressure on Nigeria’s road networks, deepen local participation in the oil and gas value chain and stimulate development in the Niger Delta.
Addressing journalists on the state of the nation, HOSCON Chairman HM King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, said Nigeria’s maritime assets in the South-South remain grossly underutilised despite their capacity to transform the regional and national economy.
Whiskey who is also the Ovie Great Idjerhe Kingdom, said effective use of the seaports would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for youths, enhance export capacity and serve as a major logistics hub for oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta.
“Port revitalisation must be complemented by deliberate federal investments in road, rail and inland waterways to ensure seamless movement of goods and services across the region” he said.
The group also urged the Federal Government to adopt inclusive integration policies that would give Niger Delta communities deeper involvement in oil and gas activities taking place in their environment.
According to him, local participation would improve security and project sustainability.
On security of maritime and oil assets, he called for the expansion of Tantita Security Nigeria Limited, operational scope, noting that it is effective in improving production, restoring cleaner waterways, aquatic life and public confidence in the region.