Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on Monday, September 22, 2025 affirmed collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) towards reviving underutilized ports in Rivers State with the goal to improve development in the State.
The Board of NPA led by its Chairman, Senator Clement Adedayo Adeyeye, had visited Governor Fubara in Government House, Port Harcourt, in his first official engagement since returning to power from a six months suspension.
The governor noted that, “In many countries of the world, one of the first things they do is either build an International Airport or a world class sea Port. You can’t succeed anywhere in any form of economy if you don’t have these two facilities that have standards. In Rivers State we are blessed with the Port Harcourt Port and the Onne Port, but the only challenge is under utilisation.
He called for further engagements that will create strategies to ensure the two ports in the State are adequately put to use.
On the appeal by the NPA, Gov. Fubara said, in tackling the issues of employment and job creation, several manufacturing companies think of closeness to exportation, adding that if Onne Port is working at full capacity, it will generate activities that will provide massive employment and create job opportunities as well as expand businesses around the Eleme and Tai areas.
The governor said, “On the issue of road infrastructure to the Port, unfortunately, the road is a federal road, all I can do is to continue to appeal to the federal government to complete the road.”
He emphasised that a greater part of security issues lie on unemployment, and expressed optimism that with increased activities there will be reduced crime rate.
Gov. Fubara promised to assist the board resolve some issues within the purview of the state and prayed that the federal government would address other challenges within its area of responsibility.
He assured the Board of NPA of support in whatever area required to enable them succeed, especially as it relates to the activities of Rivers State Ports, noting that in tackling the security situation there is need to build a befitting Police Station at the Port
Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority Board, Senator Clement Adedayo Adeyeye commended the Governor for receiving them on his first day of work after resumption describing it as a good omen which will result in greater accomplishments in the State.
He said they admire the governor for his peaceful nature, a sign of great leadership that will make him an exceptional statesman.
Senator Adeyeye noted that their mission in the State is special especially as it relates to looking at ways of improving the operations of the two Port facilities in Rivers State which are located at the old Port Harcourt township and the Onne Port.
The chairman reeled out areas of need to include roads, befitting Police Station, security challenges, indiscriminate parking of trailers.
He further pledged the authority’s commitment to corporate social responsibility to collaborate with the State Government in providing some critical infrastructure in the communities.
