The vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has assured citizens that an ADC-led administration will prioritize the construction and operationalization of the Gelegele Seaport in Edo State alongside other strategic maritime infrastructure across Nigeria.
Speaking on the party’s infrastructure roadmap, the former Minister of Transportation emphasized that expanding subnational port capacity is vital to accelerating national commerce and unlocking regional economic potential.
Amaechi explained that an estimated initial investment ranging between $400 million and $500 million would be sufficient to kickstart the construction phase for the proposed seaports, with further expansions carried out incrementally over time.
Highlighting his prior ministerial experience overseeing projects like the Lekki Deep Seaport, he noted that key maritime developments—including proposed deep seaports in Akwa Ibom and Bonny—remain feasible provided there is clear political will and disciplined financial execution.
Focusing on Edo State’s strategic position, the ADC candidate committed to putting the Gelegele Seaport project directly before the presidency for swift executive approval once the party assumes office.
He noted that developing the historic Gelegele waterway into a functional port would reduce freight congestion at existing hubs, lower logistics costs, and directly link mid-western agricultural and industrial production to global export channels.
Reiterating the party’s broader economic stance, the ADC leadership stressed that infrastructure investment must go hand in hand with revenue accountability.
The party pledged that a functional Gelegele Seaport would serve as a catalyst for regional employment, poverty reduction, and sustainable commercial growth across the Niger Delta corridor.
