By Akinrinlola Olumide

It is audible to the deaf and it is no longer news to the conscious that a bill sponsored by Senator Nicholas Tofowmo (PDP Ondo South) to set up Araromi Front Sea Port in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State has passed the second reading. The bill would be considered for the third reading/passage after the Public hearing in September this year.

Now that power brokers, lovers and fans of development, influencers, and the power that be in Nigeria have assured the distinguished Senator of Presidential assent after the passage of the Establishment bill, I write to talk about the new opportunities the establishment of the seaport would bring not only to the host communities, or state of domiciliation but also to neighbouring states and Nigeria at large.

A review on the role of Ports in the development of a Nation by G.S.Dwarakish and Akhil Muhammad Salim has shown that Sea Ports constitute an important economic activity in coastal areas. The higher the throughput of goods and passengers year-on-year, the more infrastructure, provisions and associated services are required. These will bring varying degrees of benefits to the economy and the country.

Industries require a safe and cheap means of exporting finished goods and importing raw materials. Hence the majority of industries in the world are located in the coastal belts, in the vicinity of major ports. These industries, in turn, influence the lives of the employees and indirect benefactors.

According to the sponsor of the bill, Sen Nicholas Tofowomo, the Araromi Sea Front port is strategically located on the Atlantic Ocean coastal line and it has a deep-sea that would accommodate large vessels and would develop the economy of Nigeria being an economic oriented bill that would also improve the importation and exportation business with significant positive effects on marine transportation in the country.

Benefits of the proposed Araromi Front Sea Port

The port would play a big role in decongesting Lagos seaports and serve 5 states which include Ekiti State, Osun State, Kogi State, Edo State and Ondo State, with other surrounding states. This seaport would give an end to illegal importation and exportation on our land borders and all imported goods would be channelled through Lagos ports and more revenue would be generated.

The port would create employment for thousands of people and make the clearing of goods faster. Our coastal line in Ilaje LGA would develop and improve trade commerce and industry. Araromi Sea Front tourism would also improve because it has white sand like Brighton in the United Kingdom.

Araromi Seafront port would improve agricultural products like Cocoa, Cassava, Plantain, Oil Palm and Rubber; this would be easy to export and earn foreign exchange and improve our economy.

Many government institutions would be extended to the host communities which would boost employment and increase income generation for the local government, the state and the federal government.

I do not doubt that this bill would succeed. The significant impact locally, regionally and nationally on Nigeria’s economy will be great if the President do the needful after its passage. The establishment of the port will play a big role in the development of our economy.

Akinrinlola Olumide is the Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, to Senator Nicholas Tofowomo.