Nigeria’s House of Representatives Rejects Moves to Setup Seaport in Edo
Nigeria’s House of Representatives Rejects Moves to Setup Seaport in Edo. Nigeria’s House of Representatives, sitting on Thursday 26th October, 2017, rejected a move to construct Gele-Gele Seaport and concession its management to the Government of Edo State which will also include declaring the region an export and import free trade zone.
According to Premium Time, the motion which was sponsored by Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, a member representing Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency in Edo State, noted that from its historical importance, the seaport will play a vital role in the economic development of Nigeria as Edo State is connected to various parts of the country, which makes it an economic hub for transportation of merchandise.
Defending the motion, Mr. Agbonayinma, said;
”The establishment and concession of seaport to Edo State Government will not only provide for export free trade zone with enormous trading activities but will also lead to the creation of good road infrastructure and agro-industrial park and container terminals in the state, thereby urbanizing the predominantly rural communities in the state.
”The concession will boost revenue generation, create more jobs, boost economic activities in the state, assist in the decongestion of other seaports, attract foreign investments and ensure increase in timely delivery and distribution of merchandise to consumer markets.”
After an extensive consultation by members of the house, the house wasn’t convinced enough and had to reject the motion.
Now if the house could reject the motion to establish Gele-Gele seaport in Edo state, what then will happen to the proposed Ibaka Seaport in Akwa Ibom state?
