Indications emerged that the Federal Government of Nigeria may have approved the dredging of the Oguta/Orashi River up to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who initiated the project received the hydrographic and comprehensive bathymetric/ investigation survey report from the leadership of the Nigerian Navy.
Rear Admiral Hassan Kaoje, the Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nigerian Hydrological Agency, led a team of top Naval officers to submit the report to Gov. Uzodimma at the Government House Owerri.
Recall that the dredging of the Oguta Lake to Orashi River up to the Atlantic Ocean was flagged off by former President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by former Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo on May 12, 2023.
Receiving the report at the New Executive Council Chambers in Owerri on Monday, Uzodimma expressed delight and described the project as very dear to him.
The governor expressed gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari and the former Chief of Naval Staff for approving and flagging off the project and further thanked, President Ahmed Tinubu and the current Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, “for buying into the project which is expected to form the future economic hub of Imo State, South East and Nigeria in general.”
Uzodimma recalled that at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), many critics had thought it will not be possible to realise the project.
He stated that with the completion of the Hydrographic and Comprehensive Bathymetric/Investigative Survey Report of Charting of the Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, and the necessary recommendations, “the State will now embark on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other necessary arrangements that will lead into the dredging proper.”
Uzodimma reiterated that the project was started to encourage gas optimisation in Imo State in particular and the South-East in general and as an area suitable for Gas Industrial Cluster, Petrochemical Plant as well as Fertilizer Plant.
He reminded all well-meaning Nigerians that the need to create a sustainable economy in Imo State and by extension, the entire nation cannot be left to the Federal Government alone.
Furthermore, Uzodimma revealed that he was considering projects execution through Foreign Direct Investment in the Maritime business from China and France to key into the project.
Earlier at the submission, Rear Admiral Kaoje expressed the gratitude of the Chief of Naval Staff and the entire Navy towards the support and cooperation that exists between them, the Government and the people of Imo State.
In his presentation, the Navy Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode said that “the Government of Imo State provided the funding and all the support that made it possible to start and complete the first stage of the project.”
