The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has appealed to the Ondo State Governor, Fortunate Aiyedatiwa, to fast-track work on the deep seaport.
The PUNCH reported that the Federal Government Council accepted the working license for the seaport final yr.
The seaport was sited at Olokola in Ilaje Native Authorities Space of the state nevertheless it was alleged that work had not began on the venture.
The President of the Ondo State Workplace of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Engnr. Emmanuel Adewumi lamented that the present scenario of the venture appeared as if the federal government had deserted the seaport venture.
Adewumi spoke at a one-day consciousness seminar organised by the council in Akure, the state capital on Thursday.
Based on the president, the deep seaport venture when full would enhance the financial scenario of the state within the space of employment and Internally Generated Income. He urged the federal government to start work on the venture.
Adewumi mentioned, “I wish to use this medium to understand the function of the fast previous Government Governor of this State, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, however who has simply gone to affix the saints triumphant. It was he who spearheaded the agitations for the institution of a Deep Sea Port at Igbokoda in Ondo State.
“Sadly, regardless of the declare {that a} Division of Marine and Blue Economic system has been created in Ondo State, there isn’t a indication that our Sunshine State internet hosting the port has carried out a lot on this regard.
“So far as this venture is anxious, Ondo State must be on the forefront and benefit from this venture to the advantage of the financial well-being of the state by liaising with the newly- -established Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economic system for the early take-off of the deep seaport.
“We are able to now not afford to take a seat on the fence. Even our neighboring states like Ogun and Lagos State are much more ready for the efficient use of the Ondo deep seaport. One vital reality we should all realise is that everywhere in the world, the richest metropolis/location, in addition to large employment centre in any nation, is the seaport. The financial viability of seaport can’t be overemphasised. Ondo Sate-wake up.”
Nonetheless, in his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa who was represented by the Everlasting Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Business, Mrs Funmilayo Akinola, mentioned the venture was not deserted.
He mentioned, “Work is ongoing, the Ondo Seaport shouldn’t be deserted.”
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that his authorities was prepared to offer assist to the enterprise of importing and exporting within the state.
“The Ondo State Authorities acknowledges the significance of commerce facilitation and stands able to play a proactive function in supporting importers and exporters inside its jurisdiction.
“By means of initiatives corresponding to funding in infrastructure improvement, provision of conducive enterprise environments, and promotion of trade-friendly insurance policies, Ondo State goals to draw and retain companies engaged in import and export actions,” the governor burdened.
