Eastern ports revival will decongest Lagos, improve national transport logistics-Expert
Experts have thrown their weight behind the Federal Government’s initiative to revive the Eastern ports, saying the move will decongest Lagos ports, improve freight movement and enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s transport and logistics network.
The stakeholders said the over-concentration of cargo traffic at the Lagos ports has, over the years, resulted in persistent gridlock on port access roads, high logistics costs, operational inefficiencies and delays in cargo evacuation.
They noted that the ongoing revival of the Warri, Koko, Calabar and Port Harcourt ports would promote balanced cargo distribution, reduce pressure on the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports and stimulate economic activities across the South-South and South-East regions.
The Federal Government recently approved a N1.6 trillion port modernisation programme and has commenced the procurement process for similar upgrades at the Eastern ports as part of efforts to create a more efficient and competitive port system.
Maritime analyst Ismail Aniemu described the policy as a strategic intervention, saying increased utilisation of the Eastern ports would reduce the long-distance movement of cargo currently hauled by road from Lagos to cities such as Onitsha, Aba, Owerri and Port Harcourt.
According to him, decentralising cargo traffic would reduce congestion on major highways, lower transport costs, minimise accidents involving heavy-duty trucks and improve turnaround time for cargo delivery.
Aniemu said the initiative would also stimulate investments, create jobs, encourage industrial development and strengthen the maritime value chain in the host communities.
“Lagos will not lose its position as Nigeria’s commercial hub. Rather, the entire country stands to benefit from a more balanced and efficient port system,” he said.
Industry stakeholders also highlighted the strategic importance of the Delta ports, noting that their proximity to Nigeria’s oil and gas facilities and key inland markets makes them well-positioned to serve as major logistics hubs for cargo distribution and petroleum exports.
They, however, stressed that sustained maintenance dredging of navigation channels, rehabilitation of the Escravos Channel and improved multimodal transport connectivity remain critical to unlocking the full potential of the Eastern ports.
The League of Maritime Editors (LOME) also backed the Federal Government’s policy, saying the revitalisation of the Eastern ports would promote inclusive national development and ease the operational burden on Lagos ports.
The association commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, for promoting increased patronage of the Warri and Koko ports as part of efforts to decongest Lagos and improve cargo distribution nationwide.
Stakeholders maintained that the success of the initiative would depend on sustained investment in port infrastructure, channel maintenance and transport connectivity, enabling Nigeria to build a more efficient, competitive and integrated maritime transport system
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