Underused Rivers Seaports Stifling Economic Growth,Says Fubara

 

 

Underused Rivers Seaports Stifling Economic Growth, Says Fubara

 

 

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed concern over the underutilisation of the state’s two seaports, warning that their untapped potential continues to deny Rivers and Nigeria significant jobs, investments, and industrial development.

 

Governor Fubara made the remarks on Monday when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Senator Adeyeye Adedayo Clement, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.

 

According to the Governor, world-class ports and airports are vital engines of prosperity, and Rivers State, with its Port Harcourt and Onne seaports, is strategically positioned to harness such economic benefits.

 

“We are blessed with the Port Harcourt and Onne seaports, but the truth is they are underutilised,” Fubara said. “If Onne Port were operating at full capacity, the level of activities around Eleme, Tai, and neighbouring areas would transform the state’s economy. It would generate employment, boost manufacturing, and expand clearing and forwarding operations.”

 

He added that optimising the ports’ capacities would attract industries seeking proximity to export facilities, lower logistics costs, and boost investor confidence. The ripple effects, he said, would span job creation, business growth, and increased tax revenues.

 

Highlighting the state’s peaceful environment, the Governor said Rivers enjoys a relatively smooth relationship between host communities, government, and the port authority, unlike other states where community interference disrupts port activities.

 

On infrastructure challenges, Fubara lamented the poor federal roads linking the ports, blaming flooding and traffic congestion on their deteriorating condition. While acknowledging that road repairs fall under federal responsibility, he pledged that the state government would support traffic management, discipline among trailer operators, and general maintenance of order.

 

The Governor also promised to enhance security around the port areas by establishing a dedicated police station. “Most societal issues stem from unemployment,” Fubara noted. “Revitalising the ports will create opportunities for the youth and reduce crime.”

 

He further warned against the encroachment of port lands by private individuals and urged the NPA to provide detailed reports so that the state government could intervene promptly. On flooding, Fubara said the problem is linked to poor access roads and drainage channels and promised collaboration with the NPA on remedial works.

 

Commending the NPA for partnering with the state government before embarking on projects, the Governor said, “When government is part of your programmes, you have already succeeded because the government represents the people.”

 

Senator Adeyeye Adedayo Clement, NPA Chairman, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to optimising operations at the Port Harcourt and Onne ports and solicited the state government’s support in road rehabilitation, environmental cleanliness, curbing illegal truck parking, and enhancing port security.

 

Governor Fubara assured full support, urging the NPA to seize the opportunity to transform the seaports into true engines of economic growth. “These ports must become engines of growth, not monuments of neglect,” he stressed.