Flag-Off Of Oguta Lake-Orashi River Dredging Project

Given its overall potential to promote trade and investment, among other benefits, the Oguta Lake-Orashi River Dredging Project is a game-changer for Imo State, Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in Oguta, Imo State, at the flag-off of the Pre-Dredging Hydrographic Survey of the proposed Sea Access Route from Oguta Lake through the Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean.

The project is a collaboration between the Imo State Government, the Nigerian Navy, and a consortium of technical partners. It was initiated, approved and set in motion under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari alongside the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

Speaking about the importance of the project, the Vice President said “there are projects and there are projects. But this project is unique. This is an economic transformation project, it is a game changer for Imo state, Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa. It is one of those one-of-a-kind projects whose benefits have always been glaring, but vision, courage and tenacity were required to bring it to fruition.

“This project will fulfil its promise of radical transformation, not only for the economy of the Southeast, but for our nation as a whole,” the VP added.

Speaking further, Prof. Osinbajo announced that President Muhammadu Buhari had, a few days ago, granted the request of Governor Uzodinma to declare Oguta/Ohaji/Egbema and its environs as an Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, saying it would drive commercial activities.

In his remarks, Gov. Uzodinma, while expressing his gratitude to the Buhari Admin for making the initiation of the project possible said that preliminary studies were conducted before the flag-off of the Pre-dredging Hydrographic Survey.

Also, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambao pledged the support of the Nigerian Navy for the project, saying the force would produce updated charts that would culminate in the next phase of the project which is the dredging of the river access route.

Source: Imo State Government Release