Benin port to boost agriculture, says Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said the Benin Port project will boost the growth of the agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, food processing, automotive and power sectors in the state and Nigeria in general.

In a statement by the preferred bidders, Mota-Engil Nigeria, Obaseki also said that the project would serve as a launch pad for the expansion of the state’s $11.8bn economy.

Recall that Obaseki had promised to build the port during his campaigns in 2016, and had pursued the actualisation of the project. The governor in 2017 announced the set-up of a seven-man committee for the project chaired by Dr. Greg Ogbeifun.

Ogbeifun, who is the chairman of the Benin Port Project, confirmed that the preferred bidder of the project, Mota Engil Africa, emerged after a one-week evaluation exercise conducted on the bids received in response to the Request for Proposals, from the three

He said, “The Benin Port is designed to be a unique agro-based port in Nigeria that encompasses a complete smart port community complex for industrial processing and export of agricultural produce and other goods, with independent, clean and renewable energy installations.

“The container and multipurpose terminals of the port will also have roll-on-roll-off facilities to enable direct importation of vehicles for the thriving automobile industry in Edo State, among other commercial activities that would spring from the port operations.”

Speaking after the contractors of the project received some of the equipment in Lagos recently, Obaseki said, “It was delightful that the project has finally kicked off in earnest to serve as a launch pad for the expansion of Edo’s $11.8bn economy.

“It would catalyse the growth of the agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, food processing, automotive, power, retail, and extractive sectors. We are now set for the commencement of this landmark project, which will open a new vista of opportunities for Edo people and Nigerians in general,” he noted.

The Logistic Manager of Mota-Engil Nigeria, Mr Nuno Colaço, who led the company’s team to inspect the new equipment at the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited terminal in Lagos reiterated, Mota-Engil’s commitment to the country.