By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Executive Secretary of the Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM), Mr Ofon Udofia, has called on the federal government to implement a 30 percent rebate policy in order to revive the underutilized eastern ports.
Udofia warned that failure to take action will leave Nigeria’s maritime economy in decline while other nations race ahead.
He said the rebate will reduce the high rate of shipping imposed on Eastern ports that surpresses businesses in the East.
Udofia made the appeal while addressing journalists at the 2025 Correspondents’ Week Dinner, organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Rivers State Correspondents’ Chapel, in Port Harcourt.
He bemoaned the poor state of eastern ports such as Calabar, Rivers, Onitsha, Onne, Warri and Koko, describing them as “idle assets” wasting away due to years of policy neglect and lack of infrastructure investment.
Udofia observed the high cost of importing goods through the Eastern ports, compared to Lagos State ports.
“For the eastern ports to work, there should be 30 percent rebate and you will see all the eastern ports open. Calabar Port is like a swimming pool today. Koko Port is a forgotten project,” he lamented.
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Udofia stressed that unlocking the potential of the blue economy begins with strategic investments and policies that encourage trade through neglected maritime corridors.
He challenged the University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) and other institutions in Rivers State to rise to the occasion by introducing a blue economy curriculum in their educational programs.
Highlighting the role of media professionals in promoting trade, the IEOM Executive Secretary proposed an NUJ Export Entrepreneurial Programme, with a focus on the eastern ports.
According to him, journalists are uniquely positioned to succeed in the export sector due to their reach, access, and research skills.
Udofia linked Nigeria’s persistent insecurity to mass unemployment, emphasizing that the export value chain could be a powerful tool for job creation and economic stability.
Earlier, chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Ameachi Okonkwo, praised the theme of the week’s events and called for sustained reporting on the blue economy and maritime issues in the Niger Delta and beyond.
“Blue economy has the huge potential to boost Rivers State economy. Let us not stop writing on the blue economy as the week ends, but let’s continue the discussions,” Okonkwo urged.
He also used the opportunity to honor departed members of the Chapel who passed on within the year.
He expressed gratitude to supporters of the 2025 Correspondents’ Week, including NLNG, NDDC, HYPREP, Indorama, Rivers State Education Champions League, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHCCIMA, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, and all members of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
