The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has urged the Federal Government to streamline the number of agencies operating in the nation’s ports to ensure efficiency and effective management.
Mr Eugene Nweke, Head Researcher of SEREC, made the call in Abuja on Wednesday during an interview.
He also stressed the need for improved surveillance and security on Nigeria’s waterways to attract investments and strengthen public-private partnerships.
“To revamp eastern ports and promote economic growth, government must invest in infrastructure , upgrade ports, roads, and rail linkages. Poor access roads, shallow depths, and lack of equipment limit vessel movement and hinder cargo flow,” he said.
Nweke added that security enhancements around waterways would encourage more investment from vessel owners.
He described the challenges in the port industry as surmountable and commended government efforts to revitalise eastern ports as a pathway to economic growth.
Nweke also applauded the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for attracting private sector participation and improving efficiency, noting its 2024 revenue surge of 77 per cent, amounting to ₦758.26 billion.
He said the NPA’s collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, and the Port Police Command had achieved progress in western ports, but eastern ports continued to face policy and technical obstacles.
He advised the NPA to deepen reforms by focusing more on infrastructure development and investments.
Nweke appealed to the South East Development Commission to prioritise port and inland waterways development, saying it would significantly reduce logistics costs and improve access to goods.
“We urge south-eastern governors to take a strong look at regional transport needs and unite to pursue a holistic port revamp. This will spare traders the agony of logistics bottlenecks and losses on highways caused by insecurity and poor roads. Presidential endorsement is also crucial for strategic investment drives,” he said.
He emphasised that addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities would enable eastern ports to become hubs for economic growth, inter-regional transport, and development.
(NAN)