A high-powered delegation from the Delta State Government, the Economic Management Team (EMT) and representatives of the Deputy Governor, visited Burutu Port to assess the ongoing port revitalization project and explore opportunities to deepen the state’s investment.
Delta State currently holds a 5% equity stake and is considering increasing its shareholding to accelerate port development.
The EMT was led by His Excellency Sir Monday Onyeme, represented by Commissioner for Finance Sir Fidelis Tilije, alongside key officials such as Dr. Barry Gbe (Chief Economic Adviser), Commissioner for Trade and Investment Hon. Sam Oligida, Principal Secretary to the Governor Barr. Lyna Ocholor, DIDA Director-General Hon. Tony Elekwekuri, State Bureau of Pension Director-General Sir Eddy Gbegbaje, and Deputy Chief of Staff Hon. Ifeanyi Osakwe.
The delegation also included Chief Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Oghene Omoru (DIDA Chairman) and Chief Kenneth Donye, CEO of Akewa Colmar Terminal Limited (ACTL), the private firm driving the port’s redevelopment.
Burutu Port, where Delta State holds a 5% equity stake, was acquired in 2006 by Akewa Global Services Limited (AGSL), with the Certificate of Occupancy issued to CEO Chief Kenneth Donye in 2010. The port is now being redeveloped by ACTL, a joint venture between AGSL and Colmar Marine Nigeria Limited, licensed by the Federal Government to operate the facility.
The Burutu Port Project (BPP) involves three phases:
Phase 1: Redevelop and upgrade the existing brownfield port (9.22 hectares, 6m draft) to international standards.
Phase 2: Construct a mining and agricultural export port.
Phase 3: Build an international transshipment port on a 90-hectare greenfield extension along the Ramos River, accommodating vessels with drafts up to 22.5 meters.
The project received full business case approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in May 2023, granting ACTL a 40-year master concession under a Design-Finance-Build-Operate-Transfer (DFBOT) public-private partnership. The Federal Executive Council also approved the project later that month.
During the visit, the team inspected the Agge River for dredging potential and evaluated existing port infrastructure. Burutu LGA Chairman Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme and HRM Bosu Dio, Pere of Iduwini Kingdom, both urged government support for the port and related institutions.
Chief Kenneth Donye emphasized the port’s historic and economic importance, while the government team reaffirmed its commitment to increasing Delta State’s shareholding and fast-tracking the port’s revival. The project is expected to boost local employment, trade, revenue, and overall economic growth, aligning with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
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