A BILL FOR AN ACT TO UPGRADE AND EXPAND PORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE SOUTH-EASTERN REGION, SOUTH-SOUTH REGION, AND OTHER RIVERINE AREAS.

A BILL FOR AN ACT TO UPGRADE AND EXPAND PORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE SOUTH-EASTERN REGION, SOUTH-SOUTH REGION, AND OTHER RIVERINE AREAS TO FACILITATE ECONOMIC GROWTH, DECONGEST LAGOS PORTS, ENHANCE REVENUE GENERATION, AND STIMULATE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH REVERSE MIGRATION

FOR THE ATTENTION OF:

1. His Excellency, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
2. His Excellency, The President of the Senate
3. His Excellency, The Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives
4. Their Excellencies, The Executive Governors of the South-East and South-South States
5. The National Security Adviser
6. The Inspector General of Police
7. The Chief of Army Staff
8. Distinguished Senators and Hon. House of Representative members representing the South East and South South Zones

SPONSOR: Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
DATE: February 2, 2025

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the Southern and Riverine Port Development and Expansion Act, 2025.

Section 2: Objectives

The objectives of this Act are to:

1. Facilitate balanced regional economic development by upgrading and expanding underutilized seaports, river ports, and jetties across the South-East, South-South, and other strategic regions of Nigeria.
2. Decongest Lagos ports by redistributing port activities, thereby reducing urban overcrowding and overstretched infrastructure in Lagos.
3. Generate additional revenue for the federal government through enhanced port operations, trade, and investment opportunities.
4. Create job opportunities and attract investments to regions with upgraded infrastructure, thereby stimulating reverse migration and reducing regional imbalances.
5. Promote national unity by ensuring equitable access to infrastructure and economic resources across Nigeria.

Section 3: Scope and Implementation

The Federal Government shall prioritize the upgrading, modernization, and expansion of the following seaports, river ports, and jetties:

South-East Zone

1. Onitsha River Port (Anambra State)
2. Oguta River Port (Imo State)
3. Ogurugu River Port (Enugu State)
4. Oseakwa Deep Port (Anambra State)

South-South Zone

1. Port Harcourt and Onne Ports (Rivers State)
2. Calabar Port (Cross River State)
3. Warri, Sapele, and Koko Ports (Delta State)

North-West and Riverine Regions

1. Baro Port (Niger State)
2. Lokoja Port (Kogi State)
3. Yelwa-Yauri and Idah Jetties

Airports for Cargo and Passenger Integration

1. Akanu Ibiam International Airport (Enugu)
2. Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (Owerri)
3. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano)
4. Port Harcourt International Airport (Omagwa)

Section 4: Government Responsibilities

1. Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA):
   a. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of navigable waterways leading to identified ports.
   b. Implement dredging projects where necessary to enable access for large cargo vessels.
   c. Provide modern cargo-handling and security infrastructure at these ports.
2. Ministry of Transport:
   a. Develop a national port decentralization strategy.
   b. Engage stakeholders, including regional governments and private investors, for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
3. Ministry of Works and Housing:
   a. Construct and rehabilitate road and rail infrastructure connecting ports to industrial hubs and trade corridors.
4. Ministry of Interior and National Security Agencies:
   a. Ensure the safety of ports and inland waterways by deploying maritime security personnel and surveillance technology.

Section 5: Incentives and Regional Development

To encourage port usage and investment, the federal government shall:

1. Offer tax incentives to shipping companies, importers, and exporters using designated ports.
2. Designate strategic ports and airports as special economic zones with customs and regulatory efficiencies.
3. Provide grants and low-interest loans for local businesses operating in the logistics, shipping, and warehousing sectors.

Section 6: Monitoring and Evaluation

1. A joint committee comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transport, NPA, and regional governments shall oversee project implementation.
2. Annual reports on progress, challenges, and economic impact shall be submitted to the National Assembly for review.

Section 7: Expected Outcomes

1. Decongestion of Lagos:
   The development of alternative ports will redistribute trade activities, alleviating the traffic, infrastructure strain, and overcrowding in Lagos.
2. Revenue Growth:
   Enhanced port operations and increased trade activities will boost government revenue through tariffs, port fees, and economic diversification.
3. Job Creation:
   Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created in logistics, construction, port operations, and related industries, fostering economic stability in affected regions.
4. Reverse Migration:
   Improved infrastructure will encourage reverse migration by providing economic opportunities closer to home for people currently residing in Lagos and other overpopulated areas.

Section 8: Legislative Recommendations

1. Amend existing maritime laws to promote equitable infrastructure development across all regions.
2. Strengthen the regulatory framework for port and transport logistics to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Section 9: Citation and Commencement

This Act shall come into effect upon approval by the President and publication in the Federal Gazette.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill seeks to address the infrastructural imbalance in Nigeria’s port and transportation system by upgrading underdeveloped ports in the South-East, South-South, and other regions. The Bill aims to stimulate economic growth, decongest Lagos, and create jobs, ultimately promoting national unity through balanced development

Presented by:
Hon. Chimazuru Ignatius Nnadi-Oforgu.

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