- 15 port access roads need urgent reconstruction – Minister
As part of efforts expedite the reconstruction of port access roads across the nation, the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy will assign directors to handle the road projects in dire need of repairs.
Both Ministries reached this agreement when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, visited the Ministry of Works in Abuja, on Tuesday.
Oyetola argued that access roads leading to the ports in Nigeria play a pivotal role in the efficiency of the ports, even as he encouraged the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi to prioritize these projects.
To demonstrate commitment to his pledge, the Works Minister immediately requested his counterpart to nominate a representative that would be meeting with one of the directors in the Ministry of Works to devise a means of carrying out the task at hand.
Oyetola, earlier appealed to the Minister of Works, Umahi, to assist in undertaking an urgent comprehensive repair and maintenance programme for all dilapidated roads leading to ports in the country.
According to Oyetola, the dilapidated access roads are making importers and exporters experience high transportation costs, prolonged transit times and heightened risk of accidents
His words: “All these issues cumulatively impede our national economic growth, discourage foreign investment, and hinder our international trade competencies.”
Oyetola, who personally delivered the message to the Works minister on Tuesday evening, during his visit to the ministry, listed 15 roads that require urgent attention.
The roads cut across Lagos Port complex, Tin Can Island Port, Calabar New Port, Delta Port and Onne Port. Some of the access roads are: 1.6km dual carriage road within the Lagos Port Complex, 3km Tincan Island access road, 15.3km Eleme Junction -Trailer Park Junction Dual Carriage way at Onne Port and 3.1km FLT-FOT Roundabout Single Carriage way , also at Onne Port.
The Works Minister appreciated Oyetola and commended him for taking the trouble to visit his office with the request.
He promised to take the matter up without any further delay as he agreed with Oyetola that the fixing of the listed access roads would increase ports efficiency and aid the country’s economic growth.