Bayelsa deep seaport to occupy 8,000ha

The proposed Bayelsa State deep seaport at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area would occupy an area of 8,000 hectares, 1,000 hectares more than the earlier estimates.

This came to light when the survey report by engineers from the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps was presented by Governor Seriake Dickson in Government House, Yenagoa.

Dickson said that by the receipt of the survey report, his administration’s plan to build a world-class deep seaport in the state, aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas, was finally on course.

“Today, my dear people of Bayelsa State, you are now seeing in real terms our plans to transform our economy beyond oil and gas. And I have always said that we are going to spare no effort in utilising the maritime endowments of the state,” the governor said.

Defending his decision to build the deep seaport, he said, “Our decision to build a world-class deep seaport is now on course. What you are seeing today is the beginning of a long journey. I know we still have a long way to go before we have a deep seaport, but we have started.”

Dickson directed the state commissioner for lands and survey to commence the process of enumeration and computation of claims and entitlements of the affected land areas covered by the survey to enable government commence the processes of payment of adequate, fair and prompt compensations as required by law. Earlier, Funsho Owonibi, commander, Nigerian Army Engineers Corps, noted that the assignment had been rewarding and that the hydrographic survey of the proposed deep seaport would soon be completed and presented to government.

Owonibi, a major general, expressed appreciation to the state government for the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps, adding that they were carrying out other engineering-related assignments in Abia, Anambra and Delta States.