By Abbas Nazil
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has expressed the need for revitalizing and expanding more ports across Nigeria as a vital step towards unlocking the full potential of the country’s blue economy and accelerating national development.
In an interview on ADBN Television, Aniagwu stressed the need for strategic investments in port infrastructure, explaining that such investments would boost maritime logistics, generate employment, attract foreign investment, and reduce the nation’s over-reliance on oil.
He described the South-South region as the natural hub of Nigeria’s blue economy, given its direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and abundance of marine resources.
Aniagwu argued that the concentration of port activity in Lagos, particularly at the congested Apapa Port, has stifled Nigeria’s maritime sector, and called for decentralisation of port services to stimulate inclusive economic growth across the country.
He urged the Federal Government to explore the vast aquatic and coastal resources in the Niger Delta to strengthen economic diversification and national prosperity.
The commissioner noted that the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is already making efforts to create an enabling business environment, with key infrastructure projects targeted at improving access to blue economy resources.
Aniagwu cited the construction of a new road in Asaba leading to the River Niger, part of a larger plan to develop the Asaba Waterfront City, as one of the initiatives aligned with this goal.
He also highlighted that the new Asaba-Ughelli dual carriageway, which allows smooth travel from Asaba to Warri in just under two hours, is enhancing regional trade and connectivity.
According to Aniagwu, infrastructure like this not only eases movement but also supports trade, attracts investment, and promotes sustainable development, creating ripple effects across multiple sectors.
He called for the full development and maximization of existing ports in Delta State, including Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, as well as the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Onne Port in Rivers, and Calabar Port in Cross River, as viable alternatives to the overstretched Lagos ports.
Aniagwu advocated for the establishment of a functional inland port in Lokoja and the dredging of the River Niger to accommodate larger vessels, which would ease cargo movement to the Middle Belt and northern regions, improving logistics and reducing road congestion.
The commissioner explained that improved port infrastructure would lessen pressure on the nation’s roads by reducing reliance on heavy trucks for long-distance cargo transport, thereby extending the lifespan of roadways and cutting maintenance costs.
He recalled that experts have long championed the development of modern ports and logistics systems as a cornerstone of economic competitiveness.
Aniagwu maintained that a well-equipped and diversified port system is essential for Nigeria to position itself as a major maritime trade hub in West Africa.
He urged relevant government agencies, stakeholders, and port authorities to pursue bold reforms and invest heavily in port modernization and expansion.
According to him, the development of underutilized ports could lead to the creation of free trade zones, attract industries, and generate thousands of jobs, enhancing national revenue and fostering inclusive economic growth.
he opined that embracing high-speed connectivity, strategic planning, and modern maritime infrastructure is key to overcoming existing challenges and ensuring Nigeria’s full participation in the global blue economy.
