FG awards Escravos Channel dredging, breakwater reconstruction

The Federal Government has awarded contracts for the dredging and reconstruction of the Escravos Channel at Warri Port, Delta State, as part of efforts to rehabilitate and modernise the Eastern Ports.

The Nigerian Ports Authority disclosed that the project is one of six initiatives under its Eastern Ports Modernisation Programme, which includes the rehabilitation of Warri Port.

The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication of the NPA, Ikechukwu Oyenmakara, confirmed the development, saying the projects were recently awarded to China Harbour Engineering.

He said the Escravos Channel reconstruction and dredging were designed to improve navigation and restore the operational efficiency of the port.

The development comes amid concerns over the shallow draught of the Warri port channel, which has frequently caused vessels to run aground while attempting to access the facility.

Local ship pilots have also raised concerns over the recurring grounding of vessels, warning that the condition of the channel has made navigation increasingly difficult and risky.

The rehabilitation of the channel is expected to improve vessel movement and strengthen the capacity of the Warri Port as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to revive the Eastern Ports.