Edo State sets up committee to drive Benin River Port Project

Chinazor Megbolu      |      

In its drive towards industrialising the State, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated the Benin City River Port Project Technical committee towards its actualisation.

In a report made available online, it stated the inauguration was geared to actualise the legacy project as part of the state’s industrialisation drive.

Speaking during the occasion at the Government House, in Benin City, Obaseki said the technical committee would also oversee the implementation of the Benin City River Port project.

“To further strengthen the work done by the initial technical committee and further boost the economic potentials of the state, the inauguration of the Benin City River Port Technical Committee cannot be over-emphasised in the development of an ultra-modern port facility to meet international standards” Obaseki said.
He charged members of the committee to speed up its evaluation process in order to enable financing for the project readily accessed.

“Because of the progress we have made in sourcing the financing for the project, the committee will review the feasibility study, design and operational aspects of the port project.

“The work of this committee is to look at what has been done to date, ensure that the port aligns with the original objectives and fast-track other works that need to be done.”

Obaseki explained the terms of reference for the committee will be to organise a  procurement process for the engagement of a project transaction adviser within the next 60 days.

According to him, “you will work with the Project  Transaction Adviser to determine potential project sponsors and project structure and maritime model; examine the project financing arrangement,
introduce and commence correspondence with the relevant regulatory authority.”

Meanwhile, the
Chairman of the Technical Committee, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, lauded the governor for the opportunity to serve the state and promised the committee will work with the terms of reference given.

“We will bring to bear our experiences and skills and live up to the confidence reposed on us.”