BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Delta State Government has disclosed plans to boost Koko Port as a key hub for trade and export activities in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Exports, Mrs. Shimite Love, highlighted the port’s potential and outlined the steps being taken to increase its traffic and enhance operations.
“Koko Port, currently operating at limited capacity with shipments once a week, will see increased activity as the government works to boost its utilisation.
“The port is being utilised by the Chinese for transporting goods across Africa and other regions, but its full potential remains untapped in the state due to insufficient publicity and infrastructure. “Despite its strategic potential, Koko Port faces challenges, notably its shallow draft, which limits its ability to accommodate larger vessels. The government is addressing these limitations with plans for dredging and interim measures such as increased use of barges and human capital.” She highlighted that a key aspect of the initiative is promoting the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) status around Koko Port, which offers significant incentives for businesses.
“Companies registered under the FTZ will benefit from duty-free import and export, as well as streamlined processes for obtaining work permits and residency visas for expatriates. The port is poised to provide faster clearance times and lower costs compared to other ports, making it a highly competitive option for exporters,” she said.
The Special Adviser stressed that, to further drive development, the government has worked collaboratively with various ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Shippers Council, and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), to create a strategic policy document.
According to her: “This four-year Delta State Export Strategy aims to identify the state’s comparative advantages, improve trade infrastructure, and secure partnerships with financial institutions like the African Development Bank, Bank of Industry, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.”
Mrs. Love also reinforced the importance of the initiative for both seasoned and new exporters, noting, “For those who have never exported before, the government has introduced plans to teach new exporters how to navigate local and international markets.
“Through partnerships with major supermarkets like Shoprite and Next Cash and Carry, local producers will be trained to meet international standards, thus boosting their market reach and sales.”
In addition to upgrading port operations, she revealed that the state is focusing on developing vital infrastructure, such as warehouses, hotels, and restaurants around Koko Port, encouraging private investors to capitalise on these transformations, which are crucial for both port operations and business expansion.
The Special Adviser noted that, despite economic downturns, there are still business opportunities the state government is not content with simply providing relief but creating lasting economic value.
