Rotimi Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, has pledged to develop the proposed Gelegele Deep Seaport in Edo State and revive other seaport projects across Nigeria if the party wins the next election.
Amaechi made the promise on Thursday during an ADC stakeholders’ meeting in Edo State, where he outlined plans to expand the country’s maritime infrastructure.
The former Minister of Transportation claimed he supervised the construction of the Lekki Deep Seaport from inception to completion, accusing President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of taking credit for the project.
Amaechi said the Lekki project originated under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari approved its construction.
He also pledged to revive proposed deep seaports in Bonny, Akwa Ibom and Warri, which he said received approval under Buhari but were stalled by funding challenges.
According to him, the proposed Bonny Deep Seaport was designed to have a depth of about 18 metres, while the planned facility in Akwa Ibom was expected to benefit from natural water depths of between 17 and 18 metres.
He added that the proposed Warri Seaport would help transport iron ore from northern Nigeria, potentially boosting trade and economic activities.
Amaechi estimated that between $400 million and $500 million could be required to commence construction of the proposed facilities, with further development undertaken in phases.
“We will ensure that all those seaports are constructed. They are not too expensive,” he said, expressing confidence that an ADC-led government would address the funding challenges.
He specifically assured Edo stakeholders that he would present the Gelegele project to the president for approval if the party assumes power.
“When ADC government wins, I, as a vice president, will put it on the table for the president to approve,” Amaechi said.
However, the proposed investment figure remains his estimate, with the actual cost of each project dependent on technical assessments, construction plans and financing arrangements.
The proposed developments would also require the necessary approvals, funding and coordination among government authorities, investors and maritime agencies.
Amaechi’s pledge places Gelegele at the centre of his proposed maritime development agenda, alongside the planned seaports in Bonny, Akwa Ibom and Warri. Their implementation would depend on the availability of funds and the ability of a future government to move the projects from planning to construction.
