The stage is set for the revamp of Nigeria’s ports and rail infrastructure with the presentation of two Outline Business Case Compliance Certificates (OBC) for the development of Bonny Deep Water Port and the Railway Industrial Park in Portharcourt to the Hon.
Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, Thursday in Abuja.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Engr.
Chidi Izuwah, disclos3d that the Federal Government intends to deploy Public Private Partnership in the development of key infrastructure projects including the Bonny Deep Water port in order to improve transport opportunities and boost economic activities along the South South, South East, North Central and North East economic corridor, thereby easing pressure on the Western ports in Apapa and Tin can Island which currently handle 90 percent of the cargo throughput in the country.
According to the DG, the Railway Industrial Park, which is to be sited in Ubima, Rivers State, will comprise an Oil and Gas Materials Supply Industrial Park, Textile Industrial Park and a Light Industries Park for Fast Moving Consumer Goods.
In the words of the DG ” The development of these strategic national assets have socioeconomic and environmental benefits to Nigerians including shorter travel time, enhanced lifespan of roads, and cost reduction in movement of passengers and freight”.
Responding, the Minister restated the commitment of the Federal Government to provision of basic amenities to Nigerians. He commended the ICRC team for it’s dedication and focus in the discharge of the mandate of the Commission.
