From Our Correspondent
Port-Harcourt, Sept. 22, ’25 (TNZ) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has decried the underutilisation of the two seaports located in the state.
TheNewsZenith reports that Fubara said the ports were holding back the economic growth of the South-South region.
“Their underutilisation is costing the state jobs and investment,” he said while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Ports Authority, on Monday in Port Harcourt.
TheNewsZenith reports that Sen. Adeyeye Clement, NPA Chairman, led the delegation on a visit to the governor.
According to Fubara, seaports are vital for national development. He noted that many prosperous countries have world-class ports and airports.
“Rivers State has two key ports, but they are not used to their full potential.
“The ports are located in Port Harcourt and Onne. If the Onne Port worked at full capacity, it would transform the economy.
“It would boost activity in surrounding areas like Eleme and Tai,” he told the delegation.
The governor expressed the belief that maximising the ports’ capacity will attract new industries. “Companies want to be close to export facilities. This will also reduce their logistics costs”.
Fubara said his government has created a peaceful environment. He noted that this makes Rivers State an ideal place for investment. He also said the state has a good relationship with host communities.
The governor pointed out a major problem: the poor roads that link to the ports. He called these bad roads a big hindrance to port operations.
The roads are managed by the federal government.
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He urged the federal government to fix the roads quickly. He said the state government would help with related issues.
This, according to him, includes managing traffic and ensuring discipline among lorry drivers.
Fubara also promised to boost security near the ports. He will establish a police station within the port facilities.
The governor expressed the belief that more jobs from port revitalisation would reduce crime and youth restiveness.
He also warned against people illegally taking over land meant for the ports. He said this practice undermines development.
He asked the NPA to report any such cases so the state can intervene.
Earlier, Sen. Clement remarked that Nigeria was blessed with many littoral states that have rich marine resources.
According to him, such marine resources are veritable catalysts to economic growth.
He pledged the board’s commitment to driving operations at the two ports in Rivers State to optimal levels.
The NPA chairman also solicited the state government’s assistance in rehabilitating access roads to the ports.
He also sought support to achieve environmental cleanliness, fight illegal parking of trucks that cause traffic nuisance and provide a Police post to address issues of insecurity. (TNZ)
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