The Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Benin River Port, on completion, would significantly improve the state’s economy through international linkage with actors in the global shipping business.
Obaseki who gave the assurance in commemoration of the World Maritime Day marked on September 27 each year, explained that “the Benin River Port will open up the state to international trade, with all the allied businesses and will bring more prosperity to our people.”
The governor added that “well managed seaports have the capacity to create wealth and transform the economies of host states and countries, into major hubs of economic activities.
“The Benin River Port will facilitate the movement of goods and services across continents, save Edo people the troubles of importing goods through Lagos and other ports and will enable the state key into the global blue economy.
“Thousands of direct and indirect employments will be created for our people, several warehouses will spring up around the port and it will stimulate production and manufacturing activities across the state and the south-south region as the manufacturers would be guaranteed easier access to the international market.”
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) said this year’s celebration is unique as it marks the 70th year “since the Convention establishing the organisation was adopted in 1948, which has helped the body to promote safe, secure and clean shipping.”
IMO noted that “it has developed mandatory international regulations covering almost every aspect of shipping since the adoption of the convention.
“As a result, modern shipping conforms to the highest practicable standards and is the safest, cleanest and most efficient way to move goods around the world.”
The organisation further said, “The theme for the 2017 World Maritime Day celebration is IMO 70: Our Heritage – Better Shipping for a Better Future, and the celebration provides an opportunity to take stock and look back, look forward, address the current and future challenges for maritime transport to maintain a continued and strengthened contribution towards sustainable growth for all.”