SARAKI: Onitsha Port Will Generate Over N23 billion In 30 years

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2022

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SARAKI: Onitsha Port Will Generate Over N23 billion In 30 years—The Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, says the Onitsha river port is positioned to generate over N23billion to the Federal Government in 30 years.

Saraki, during the signing of the concession of the port on Thursday in Abuja, said the port had lots of economic benefits to the country.

According to her, the port will among other things, ensure the 60 per cent shiped cargoes which hitherto goes through Onne port to Onitsha to be transported directly.

”So there is a lot of economic growth, there is going to be creation of wealth, creation of jobs, security and greater development.

”We hope it is a catalyst for other river ports, so that it will decongest other ports and bring about growth.

”You know the traffic on our road, the state of our roads as well as the tankers, and freight being moved on our roads have now reduced.

”And so it is a very good thing and we are exceptionally proud that at long last we have actually achieved this.

”It’s being signed and we look forward to the growth there to materialise,”Saraki said.

According to the minister, the Baro, Lokoja and Oguta ports, which are at different stages of completion, will be considered after the onitsha port.

”The most important thing is that we already have interest from potential investors who want to actually take over this.”

The Managing Director, the National Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA) Dr George Moghalu, said the Onitsha port would reduce the volume of cargoes transported via roads to the South East.

Moghalu said:”Our roads are not designed to carry the kind of weight they are carrying.

”Over 60 per cent of the containers that arrive Nigeria through Onne, Tin Can or Apapa port ends up in Onitsha and what it translates is that these containers are moved by trailers.

”Onitsha port is very well positioned to play a key role in addressing this if opportunities are provided.”

He commended the concessioneers in the efforts they were already making in bringing in investors into the country.

Moghalu also expressed hope that the concessioing would open up opportunities for other ports in the country to be given due considerations.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director-General, Infrastructure Concesion Regulatory Commission,(ICRC) Mr Michael Ohiani, reiterated that the 30 years concession would generate over N23 billion to the government.

He said:”After rigorous procurement process, Universal Elysium Consortium emerged as the preferred concessionaire for the concession of Onitsha River Port.

”Over the 30-year concession period, the concessionaire will be responsible for all the activities and maintenance of the port.

”The asset along with the entire infrastructure will be returned to the authorities at the end of the concession period.

”The redevelopment of Onitsha River Port is seen as a boost to commercial activities in the South East.

”Importers and traders from the commercial towns of Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba and Ogbete-Enugu see the relaunch as a welcome development from the Federal Government.

”The port will serve as an alternative mode of transporting goods from Lagos and Port Harcourt by road

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BREAKING: Ex-Chelsea Captain César Azpilicueta Announces Retirement From Football

Published

1 week ago

May 22, 2026

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BREAKING: Ex-Chelsea Captain César Azpilicueta Announces Retirement From Football—-Spanish defender brings curtain down on trophy-laden career after spells with Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and Sevilla.

Former Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

The Spanish defender confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.

He shared this news via his social media handles.

Azpilicueta enjoyed his most successful years at Chelsea after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, he made more than 500 appearances and became the first player in the club’s history to win every major trophy available.

As Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, adding to Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs during his time in London.

Following his departure from Chelsea in 2023, the veteran defender spent two seasons with Atlético Madrid before joining Sevilla FC for the final chapter of his career.

Azpilicueta also represented Spain at international level, earning 44 senior caps and featuring in multiple FIFA World Cups and European Championships.

In an emotional farewell message, the defender admitted it was difficult to make the decision but thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and clubs who shaped his journey in football.

Tributes have since poured in from fans and former teammates, with many describing Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea’s greatest modern-day captains and one of the most respected defenders of his generation.

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BREAKING: Shock Omissions as Palmer and Alexander-Arnold Miss England World Cup Selection

Published

1 week ago

May 22, 2026

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BREAKING: Shock Omissions as Palmer and Alexander-Arnold Miss England World Cup Selection—-Ex-Chelsea Manager Thomas Tuchel makes bold selection calls ahead of tournament in North America.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection decisions after leaving Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The omissions have quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with both players considered among England’s biggest talents in recent years.

According to reports, Tuchel opted for balance, tactical flexibility, and current form when finalising his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Palmer’s exclusion comes despite the Chelsea star’s strong performances over the last two seasons, while Alexander-Arnold reportedly missed out due to tactical preferences and competition in defensive areas.

The squad announcement also saw several surprise inclusions, including Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, while experienced names such as Jordan Henderson earned recalls.

Other notable absentees include Harry Maguire and Phil Foden as Tuchel reshapes the squad ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.

England will head into the tournament hoping to end decades of hurt and finally lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.

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