The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, says the South-South region remains the natural hub for the nation’s blue economy.
Aniagwu, who stated this in an interview with newsmen on Friday, July 18, 2925, in Asaba, said that over-reliance on the Apapa Port in Lagos alone had hindered the growth of the country’s maritime potential and economic development.
He, therefore, charged the Federal Government to revamp and expand more ports in the country to unlock the full potentials of the nation’s blue economy.
Aniagwu said that strategic investments in the port infrastructure would significantly enhance national development, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s maritime logistics framework.
He further said that the south-south region was best positioned for blue economy because all the states in the region were bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
He urged the Federal Government to harness the vast economic potential of the nation’s aquatic resources, particularly in the Niger Delta, to drive national growth.
He reiterated that the Delta Government, under the leadership of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, was already creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, especially in sectors tied to the blue economy.
He highlighted the state’s ongoing infrastructure efforts, including improved road connectivity between urban and rural areas.
Aniagwu said, “The Oborevwori administration is constructing a new road in Asaba that leads to the River Niger, opening up opportunities and laying the foundation for a new city, to be called the Asaba Waterfront City.”
He said that residents could now travel from Asaba to Warri in less than two hours, with the completion of a dual carriageway, which has greatly enhanced travel efficiency and regional connectivity.
“Improved infrastructure, like the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriageway, is not just about ease of movement.
“It is also about enabling trade, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable development.
“This kind of development creates a ripple effect across multiple sectors,” Aniagwu said.
He emphasised the need to fully develop and maximise the existing ports in the Niger Delta, including Warri, Koko, Sapele, Burutu in Delta, and Ibom Deep Seaport in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom.
“Also, the Onne Port in Rivers and Calabar Port in Cross River should be developed as viable alternatives to Lagos ports,” the commissioner said.
He further advocated the establishment of a functional port in Lokoja and the dredging of the River Niger to allow larger vessels to berth.
According to him, these measures will ease cargo movement to the Middle Belt and other parts of Northern Nigeria, reducing dependence on the congested Apapa Port in Lagos.
“Reviving and expanding these ports will allow Nigeria to participate more competitively in the global maritime economy.
“It will also diversify our national revenue streams and reduce our over-reliance on oil,” Aniagwu said.
He recalled that experts had long advocated for investment in modern port infrastructure, adding that “a well-equipped port system is crucial for efficient import and export activities”.
He said that upgrading port facilities would ensure the accommodation of large vessels and heavy-duty cargo, and position the country as a maritime trade hub in West Africa.
“Imagine the economic transformation, if ports in underutilised locations were developed and operated at full capacity.
“This would enable the establishment of free trade zones and supporting infrastructure across various regions of the country,’ Aniagwu said.
He further advised relevant authorities, port managers, and stakeholders in the maritime sector to pursue bold reforms and increased investments in port development.
He said that improved port infrastructure would also extend the lifespan of Nigeria’s road network, as fewer high-tonnage trucks would be needed to transport goods over long distances by road, thereby reducing road wear and tear.
“By addressing these long-standing challenges and embracing high-speed connectivity and modern logistics, we can overcome the limitations that have hindered our progress for too long,” he said.
By Ifeanyi Olannye