Benin River Port, Enterprise Park projects ongoing, says Obaseki

Benin River Port, Enterprise Park and other projects to drive industrial and economic growth in Edo State are on course, the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said.

Obaseki, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, noted that his administration remains committed to transforming the state into a production hub to create a modern state, where citizens will be empowered through initiatives that will prioritise employment creation, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

On the Enterprise Park, he said the design of the main infrastructure network, sewage system, among others, is complete and will be in the market soon.

A statement by his Senior Assistant on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, quoted the governor as saying: “We renamed it Benin Enterprise Park, because we want various businesses to have access to it, not only manufacturing. It is over 1,000 hectares of property. We had to do the land acquisition and pay compensation to the inhabitants.

“What we have done is to phase the development. Before the rainy season this year, we will start developing the first 50 hectares. We have partnered with the Nigerian Local Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), who has decided to cooperate with us on the first 50 hectares.

“That has also attracted some of the large investor groups that want to take large chunks. Our role is to provide the basic structure.

“There is a 95MW power plant stationed there. So, electricity already exists. The design of the main infrastructure network, sewage system, among others, is complete. Any moment from now, it will be in the market.”

On the progress of the Benin River Port, the governor said the project was going very well.

“We have engaged technical advisors and they have done all the studies to check the water flow, water levels, as well as environmental impact studies.

“That has given us the idea of what it will cost and the kind of cargo that is likely to be taking that route, and the viability of the port. What has come out of these studies is that it is going to be a very, very viable port.”