One of Nigeria’s foremost Marine Engineers and business moguls, Edo-born Engr. Greg Ogbeifun now heads the Benin City River Port Project Technical committee, inaugurated on Monday by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
The purpose of the committee is to propel the actualization of the legacy project as part of the state’s industrialization drive, Obaseki said while inaugurating the committee.
During the inauguration at the Government House in Benin City, the governor said the technical committee would also monitor the implementation of the Benin City River Port project.
“To further strengthen the work done by the initial technical committee and further boost the economic potential of the state, the inauguration of the Benin City River Port Technical Committee cannot be over-emphasised in the development of an ultra-modern port facility to meet international standards,” Obaseki noted.
He tasked members of the committee to fast-track its evaluation process so the financing for the project could be readily accessed, adding, “Because of the progress we have made in sourcing the financing for the project, the committee will review the feasibility study, design and operational aspects of the port project.
“The work of this committee is to look at what has been done to date, ensure that the port aligns with the original objectives and fast-track other works that need to be done.”
The governor said the terms of reference for the committee will include organizing a procurement process for the engagement of a project transaction adviser within the next 60 days.
“You will work with the Project Transaction Adviser to determine potential project sponsors and project structure and maritime model; examine the project financing arrangement, introduce and commence correspondence with the relevant regulatory authority,” he said.
Chairman of the Technical Committee, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state.
He assured the governor that the committee will work with the terms of reference given, adding: “We will bring to bear our experiences and skills and live up to the confidence reposed on us.”
Engr. Ogbeifun is the Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited. He is also the Chairman/CEO of Starzs Investments Company Limited, a marine company whose activities include Ship ownership and management, marine logistics providers, private maritime security providers, operation and maintenance of vessels servicing the offshore oil industry in Nigeria, as posted in the company’s website.
