… ‘Port designed with RoRo facilities, will boost agro export’
In line with efforts by the Edo State Government to fast-track the development of the Benin Port, bidders for the project have visited and inspected the confluence of the Benin River and Osse River, to assess the site conditions and available facilities to support the port.
During the visit, the Project Director, Benin Port, Dr. Joe Aigboduwa, who led representatives of the host communities and the Edo State Government officials to the site, said the visit by the bidders is in response to the issued Request for Proposals (RFP) and in continuation of the certified Federal Government procurement process.
He said, “In response to the issued Request for Proposals (RFP) and in continuation of the Federal Government approved procurement process under Public-Private Partnership, the internationally pre-qualified bidders for the Benin Port Project have conducted site visits to the project location.”
According to him, “The 2-day exercise entailed a visit by boat to the foreshores of the site at the confluence of Benin River and Osse River on Tuesday 13th June 2023, and a visit by road to the proposed Benin Port dual carriageway Access Road, through Ekehuan Road on Wednesday 14th June 2023.
“The visit afforded bidders the opportunity of physical assessment of the site conditions and the available facilities. They expressed satisfaction with what we have on the ground.”
He noted: “The team comprises the Bidders, the Transaction Advisers (CPCS Transcom, Canada), representatives of the host communities, and Edo State Government officials.
Aigboduwa said, “Bids are due for submission in Abuja by 30th June 2023, following which there would be an evaluation exercise by the Ministerial Project Delivery Team (PDT) under the Chairmanship of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Other members of the PDT include the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Justice, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), the Transaction Advisers, and Edo State Government.
He said, “The Benin Port Project is designed to be a unique agro-based Port in Nigeria that encompasses a complete smart Port Community Complex for industrial processing and export of agricultural produce and other goods, with independent clean and renewable energy installations.
“The container and multipurpose terminals of the port would also have RoRo facilities to enable direct importation of vehicles for the thriving automobile industry in Edo State, among others. This legacy project of His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki is expected to create massive employment and business opportunities in transforming the economy of Edo State and Nigeria.”
