Benin River Port Will Enhance Diversification – Obaseki

The development of Benin River Port, according to Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, will ensure the nation’s economy diversifies from oil to non-oil activities such as agriculture and agro-allied enterprises, putting the country on the path to sustained economic prosperity.

Obaseki said the initiative would facilitate the export of agricultural produce, raising export profits and supporting economic growth and development, while briefing journalists in Benin City.

“The reason why we are building the Benin River Port is because of its huge economic benefits to Edo and Nigeria. The port will become the closest port to the heart of the country, so that we will be able to act as a sponge to get whatever we are producing here across other parts of the country,” he said.

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He said that once completed, the port would relieve traffic congestion in Lagos and facilitate the transfer of Edo-produced commodities throughout the country.

“We cannot continue to rely on crude oil,” Obaseki said, noting that his administration is investing in palm oil production to help propel the economy. Our dependency on oil hasn’t helped us compete in the global market.

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