Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Potential: The Urgent Need to Upgrade South-Eastern and South-South Ports

Nigeria’s economic development continues to be hampered by over-dependence on Lagos ports, leading to crippling congestion, inefficiencies, and stifled regional growth. Lagos remains the country’s primary hub for imports, exports, and air cargo, which puts immense pressure on its infrastructure and increases the cost of living due to overcrowding and competition for resources. However, the untapped potential of other regions—particularly the South-East and South-South—offers a compelling solution.

This article highlights the urgent need for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to decentralize port development, expand infrastructure in the South-East and South-South, and promote balanced economic growth through job creation, revenue generation, and reverse migration.

Dispelling the Landlocked Myth

A persistent lie has been institutionalized since the end of the Nigerian Civil War: that the South-East, particularly Igboland, is landlocked and has no direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. This falsehood has been used as a tool to undermine the Igbo merchant spirit and marginalize the region economically. In reality, Igbo land has multiple rivers and waterways with direct routes to the Atlantic Ocean.

For example:

Obuaku Port (Abia State) is located only 25 nautical miles from the Atlantic through the confluence of the Imo and Azumiri Rivers.

Azumiri River Port (Abia State) is just 30 nautical miles from the ocean.

Oseakwa Port (Anambra State) lies 18 nautical miles from the Atlantic with a natural depth of 65 feet, making it one of the most strategically positioned ports in Nigeria.

Historically, waterways such as the Niger, Urashi, and Imo Rivers served as major trade routes, connecting Igbo communities to the Atlantic and global markets. Yet, institutional neglect and post-war boundary adjustments have eroded this access, resulting in a lack of investment in these critical infrastructures.

The Need for Regional Port Development

Developing ports in the South-East and South-South regions offers multiple benefits that can reshape Nigeria’s economy.

1. Revenue Generation

By expanding trade routes and enhancing port operations, the federal government stands to gain significantly through increased customs duties, port fees, and export revenues. A diversified port network will also reduce logistics costs, making Nigerian products more competitive globally.

2. Job Creation and Economic Growth

Expanding port infrastructure will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in shipping, logistics, warehousing, construction, and other sectors. These opportunities will stimulate local economies, attract investments, and reduce unemployment, particularly in regions that have been economically marginalized.

3. Decongestion of Lagos

With Lagos ports handling the bulk of Nigeria’s trade activities, the city is overwhelmed by traffic congestion, overcrowded services, and strained infrastructure. Developing alternative ports will ease these pressures, improve living standards, and enhance Lagos’ economic efficiency.

4. Reverse Migration and Balanced Development

Millions of Nigerians migrate to Lagos in search of better opportunities due to its economic monopoly. Upgrading infrastructure in other regions will provide similar opportunities closer to home, prompting reverse migration. Over time, this decentralization will reduce population density in Lagos, alleviating ethnic tensions and fostering national unity.

Strategic Ports and Airports for Development

South-East Ports

Onitsha River Port (Anambra State): One of Nigeria’s largest inland ports, critical for regional trade and commerce.

Oguta River Port (Imo State): Located on Oguta Lake and connected to the Orashi River, this port has significant potential for transporting agricultural and manufactured goods.

Ogurugu River Port (Enugu State): Facilitates the movement of agricultural products across the Niger River.

Oseakwa Port (Anambra State): Positioned to become a major gateway to the Atlantic, with minimal dredging required.

South-South Ports

Port Harcourt and Onne Ports (Rivers State): Major hubs for oil and gas exports, essential to Nigeria’s economy.

Calabar Port (Cross River State): Vital for agricultural exports and eastern trade activities.

Warri, Sapele, and Koko Ports (Delta State): Handle petroleum and agricultural goods, offering opportunities for expanded logistics operations.

North-West Inland Ports

Baro Port (Niger State): Key to connecting the northern regions to Nigeria’s central and southern trade networks.

Lokoja Port (Kogi State): Strategically located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers.

Yelwa-Yauri and Idah Jetties: Crucial for supporting regional commerce and the movement of agricultural produce.

Major Airports for Cargo and Passenger Integration

Akanu Ibiam International Airport (Enugu): Serves as a trade and tourism hub for the South-East.

Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (Owerri): Critical for boosting commerce and transportation in the region.

Port Harcourt International Airport (Rivers State): Supports both passenger and cargo operations in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano): Key for trade and transportation in northern Nigeria.

Recommendations for Implementation

1. Dredging and Infrastructure Expansion:
The federal government should prioritize dredging key rivers and upgrading port infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels.

2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
Collaborate with private investors to share the financial burden and accelerate development. Incentives such as tax breaks and streamlined regulatory processes can attract investment.

3. Connectivity Enhancement:
Construct and rehabilitate road, rail, and logistics networks to improve access to ports. This will lower transportation costs and enhance the movement of goods.

4. Security Measures:
Strengthen maritime security through surveillance technology and coordinated efforts with security agencies to address piracy and other threats.

5. Decentralization of Federal Institutions:
Redistribute government ministries, parastatals, and projects to regions outside Lagos. This will stimulate economic activity and provide critical infrastructure across the country.

Overcoming Historical Inequities

The systemic exclusion of the South-East and South-South regions from Nigeria’s economic planning is not accidental but a result of decades of political marginalization. The closure and neglect of Eastern ports after the Civil War were part of a broader strategy to concentrate economic power in certain regions. Reversing these policies requires deliberate action from the current administration to ensure equitable development.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s overreliance on Lagos ports has become unsustainable. Upgrading and expanding port infrastructure in the South-East and South-South is not just a regional necessity—it is a national economic imperative. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has a historic opportunity to decentralize economic activities, reduce regional inequalities, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector. By implementing these recommendations, Nigeria can achieve balanced development, generate substantial revenue, and create a more prosperous and united nation.

By: Hon. Chimazuru Ignatius Nnadi-Oforgu

Website:www.oblongmedia.net
Email:chimazuru65@gmail.com
Phone: 08072313955