Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to set up a high powered committee to assess the present condition of Oseakwa seaport.
The 8th assembly at plenary on Thursday July 20th resolved that Soludo should foster partnership between the federal, state government and the organised private sector on the possible means of resuscitating the abandoned Oseakwa seaport and the dredging of the Ulasi river at Ihiala local government area in line with the resolution of the house of representatives of the national assembly on the same subject matter.
Chief sponsor of the motion, Hon. Eze-Golden Chukwuebuka Iloh while speaking at the floor of the house revealed that the lower chamber of the National Assembly passed a resolution as sponsored by the representative of Ihiala federal constituency Rt. Hon. Pascal Agbodike on a similar subject matter, bringing it to the front burner in the national discuss, highlighting the importance of the aforementioned Seaport to Anambra State in particular and South Eastern Nigeria in general.
Hon. Iloh who is the member representing Ihiala 2 constituency, maintained that the need to diversify the national and sub-national economies with the attendant dwindling revenue occasioned by frequent external and internal economic shocks has made it possible for states to seek avenues to increase their revenue base in order to meet the ever-increasing developmental needs of the people.
” The maritime sector offers the state government a pathway to a sustainable revenue opportunity with enormous opportunities in the maritime value chain to diversify our economy by leveraging on partnership with the Federal Government and the organized private sector.
“Oseakwa seaport at Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State which is only 18th Nautical Miles to the Atlantic Ocean was established before Nigeria independence as a major route for imports and exports of goods and as a source of revenue to the old Eastern Region, was abandoned after the civil war and has since become moribund.
” A timely intervention and engagement of the Federal Government and the organized private sector by the Anambra state government will accelerate the process of reviving the abandoned Oseakwa Seaport, which will catalyze the injection of over two million direct and indirect jobs for Ndi Anambra as the multiplier effect and will heavily support our government home-calling of Igbo Strategic Stakeholders to actualize the prosperous and livable homeland where the Oil and Gas, Maritime business, Tourism, Agro-food Industry and Real Estate sectors, etc, will boast the economic base of Anambra State and beyond”. Hon. Iloh submitted
Supporting the motion, the member representing Anaocha 2 constituency, Hon Ejike Okechukwu.
Member representing Ogbaru One, Hon Noble Igwe. Member representing Idemili North constituency, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue. Member representing Ekwusigo constituency, Hon. Ikenna Offordeme. Member representing Onitsha South Two constituency, Hon. Jude Umunnajiego. Member representing Aguata two constituency, Hon. Tony Muobike. Member representing Awka South one constituency, Hon. Henry Mbachu. Member representing Njikoka one conatituency, Hon. Chidiebere Ibemeka. Member representing Ihiala one constituency, Hon. Jude Ngobili and Member representing Awka North constituency, Chimezie Ikwunne all spoke in favour of the motion.
” Ndi Anambra are rooted in business and commerce. This seaport will go a long way in reducing the dealers importers experience before receiving goods.
“Anambra state is the commercial destination of the South East region, and this seaport will provide employment for ndi Anambra and reduce cost of importation.
“Our people go to other states to clear their goods and pay huge amount to transport it back home. The cost and risk implications are high and will be reduced if this seaport see the light of the day.
“It will restore lost economic activities in Anambra state and also increase the IGR.
“It will attract other agencies such as costom, police, maritan lawyers that will be working at the seaport.
“One of the greatest catalist of economic development is access to sea. The production hub of Nnewi will be success if this seaport sees the light of the day.
” The cost of goods and cost of living in Anambra state currently is affected by high cost of transportation of goods from seaport to its final destination.
“From Porthacourt to Anambra state, most trucks collect above five hundred thousand naira, after which the traders add the cost to the goods and services which increases the cost of living. All this will be reduced if Oseakwa seaport starts functioning again.
