FG Rehabilitating Eastern Ports To Boost Cargo Traffic — NPA

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalising the Eastern Ports, dismissing claims that the facilities have been neglected.

The assurance was given by the Manager of the Rivers Port Complex, Kenechi Okaeze, during an interactive session with members of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in Port Harcourt. Okaeze represented the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the event.

Addressing concerns from stakeholders, Okaeze said rehabilitation and modernisation projects are currently underway across the Eastern Ports as part of efforts to restore their competitiveness and attract more cargo traffic.

She disclosed that reconstruction and strengthening works on Berths Seven and Eight at the Rivers Port Complex are in progress to improve operational efficiency and accommodate larger vessels.

According to her, the Federal Government is also deepening navigation channels to enable bigger ships to berth directly at the ports, a move expected to reduce logistics costs and minimise the movement of cargo by road from ports in other parts of the country.

Okaeze noted that the Eastern Ports are strategically located close to major commercial markets, making their revitalisation crucial to improving Nigeria’s maritime logistics and reducing pressure on road infrastructure.

She added that increased vessel traffic to the Eastern Ports would also enhance safety by reducing the risks associated with long-distance road transportation of cargo.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, Okaeze expressed confidence that the ongoing rehabilitation programme would restore the Eastern Ports to their strategic role in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

She assured stakeholders that the facilities would soon witness significant growth as the upgrade projects are completed.