Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos, currently unecessarily shoulders an immense burden as the country’s primary gateway for international trade and travel. With Lagos ports being the only functional international ports in the country and almost all air cargo entering through Lagos airport, the city’s infrastructure is stretched to its limits. This situation not only hampers the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s logistics but also contributes to significant socio-economic challenges, including mass migration and urban congestion. It is high time for President Bola Tinubu to consider decentralizing sea and airport development from Lagos to other regions.
Developing seaports and airports in other regions will stimulate local economies, create jobs, attract investments and activate reverse migration from lagos. Zones like the South-East, South-South, and North western Nigeria have untapped potential that can be harnessed with the right infrastructure. Efficient logistics infrastructure across the country will lower the cost of doing business, enhance competitiveness, and make Nigerian products more attractive in international markets. Regions with improved transportation links are likely to see growth in manufacturing and other industries, leading to the diversification of the economy and reducing dependency on oil and Lagos-centric commerce.
The seaports, river ports, and jetties in the South-East and South-South zones of Nigeria are essential to the region’s economic activities, facilitating trade and transportation. In the South-East zone, the Onitsha River Port, located in Anambra State, stands out as one of the largest inland ports in Nigeria, playing a crucial role in trade and commerce within the region.
The Oguta River Port in Imo State and the Ogurugu River Port in Enugu State are also significant inland waterways in Nigeria, offering potential for economic development through improved transportation of goods and services. Oguta Port, located along Oguta Lake and connected to the Orashi River, can handle various cargo types, including agricultural products and manufactured goods. Its development could reduce transportation costs, stimulate local economies, and attract tourism. Similarly, the Ogurugu Port, situated along the Niger River, plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of agricultural produce from Enugu and neighboring states. Enhancing this port could boost regional trade, create jobs, and improve market access for farmers. Both ports face similar infrastructural challenges, requiring substantial investment and coordinated efforts from government and private sectors to reach their full potential as drivers of economic growth and integral components of Nigeria’s inland waterway transport system.
In the South-South zone, several ports are of significant importance. Port Harcourt Port, located in Rivers State, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most significant seaports, serving as a major gateway for both import and export activities. Onne Port, also in Rivers State, is a deep-sea port that handles a large volume of cargo, including oil and gas-related shipments.
Calabar Port, situated in Cross River State, serves the eastern part of Nigeria and is vital for the export of agricultural products and minerals. Warri Port, located in Delta State, plays a significant role in the transportation of goods, particularly petroleum products. Sapele Port, also in Delta State, is known for handling timber and agricultural products. Koko Port, located in Delta State, is another important port for the export of agricultural products, and Burutu Port, also in Delta State, serves as an outlet for cargo from the Niger Delta region.
In addition to its role as an inland port, Onitsha River Port also functions as a river port, facilitating the movement of goods along the Niger River. Oghara Jetty, located in Delta State, supports the transportation of goods within the region.
In North western Nigeria, several major river ports and jetties play crucial roles in facilitating trade and transportation along the region’s waterways. Baro Port, located in Niger State along the Niger River, is one of the most significant inland ports in Northern Nigeria. It serves as a major hub for the transportation of goods to and from the northern regions, utilizing the Niger River for the movement of bulk cargo.
Situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers in Kogi State, Lokoja Port is strategically important for trade. It connects the northern regions to the central and southern parts of Nigeria via the Niger River. The Yelwa-Yauri Jetty, located in Kebbi State along the Niger River, is another key facility supporting riverine transportation and commerce in Northern Nigeria.
Additionally, Idah Jetty, located in Kogi State along the Niger River, serves as an important point for the transportation of goods and agricultural produce in and out of the northern regions.
These river ports and jetties are integral to the economic activities in Northern Nigeria, providing essential connections for the movement of goods, agricultural products, and other commodities along the region’s waterways. They help link the northern regions to other parts of the country, enhancing trade and economic development.
Nigeria’s major passenger and cargo airports outside Lagos and Abuja that can boost commerce and transportation include:
Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC), located in Omagwa, Rivers State, is a significant hub in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. It handles a substantial volume of both passenger and cargo traffic, facilitating business and trade activities in the South-South zone.
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN), situated in Kano State, serves as a key gateway to the northern part of Nigeria. It supports both passenger and cargo operations and plays a crucial role in the region’s commerce, particularly in agriculture and textile industries.
Akanu Ibiam International Airport (ENU), located in Enugu State, is vital for the South-East region. It handles international flights and has the potential to boost trade and tourism, enhancing economic activities in the area.
Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (QOW), located in Owerri, Imo State, can serve the South-East region and has significant potential to enhance commerce and transportation. It can handle both passenger and cargo traffic, supporting regional economic activities by facilitating trade and connectivity.
These airports, with their strategic locations and facilities, have the potential to significantly enhance commerce and transportation across Nigeria, supporting economic growth and regional development.
With upgraded and functional seaports and airports in other regions, the pressure on Lagos would significantly decrease. The city currently grapples with traffic congestion, overstretched public services, and high living costs due to its population density. Decentralization can alleviate these issues. Many people migrate to Lagos in search of better opportunities due to its monopoly on international trade and travel. Developing infrastructure in other regions will provide similar opportunities closer to home, potentially reversing migration trends. This could see Lagos losing up to half of its population in the first three years, making the city more livable for the agitating Yoruba community who feel the pressure of mass migration. With reduced congestion, maybe the quality of life for Lagos residents would improve.
The ongoing tension in Lagos between the Yoruba and their Igbo visitors is partly fueled by the struggle for limited resources. By developing other regions, this competition would lessen, fostering better social cohesion and national unity. Addressing the regional disparities in infrastructure development will promote a sense of fairness and inclusiveness among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. This can strengthen national unity and mitigate feelings of marginalization.
The Tinubu government should prioritize the development of seaports and airports in other regions. This includes public-private partnerships, incentives for investors, and strategic planning. Allocating adequate funding and encouraging private sector investment in infrastructure projects outside Lagos is crucial. Transparent and efficient use of resources will be key to gaining public trust and support. Engaging local communities, businesses, and regional governments in the planning and implementation process will ensure that the projects meet the specific needs and conditions of each region. Establishing mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation of infrastructure projects will ensure they are completed on time and within budget. This will also help in making necessary adjustments based on feedback and changing circumstances.
Recent investments and initiatives provide a glimpse into what decentralizing infrastructure could achieve. For instance, the construction of new seaports such as the $4.2 billion Ibom Deep Seaport and the $1.5 billion Ondo Port show a commitment to expanding maritime capacity beyond Lagos. Additionally, designating major airports like those in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Imo, and Kano as special economic zones can attract investments and create more balanced economic growth.
Ultimately, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has a unique opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape by decentralizing the development of seaports and airports from Lagos. Such a move will not only relieve the immense pressure on Lagos but also spur regional development, improve national unity, and foster a more balanced and prosperous Nigeria. The hope is that the president will not be biased and consider this demand seriously to defuse the ongoing tension and promote sustainable growth across the country.
Hon. Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
“Duruebube Uzii na Abosi”
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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