SEREC tells FG, governors to revamp Eastern ports

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has urged the Federal Government and governors of the Southeast states to promote inter-regional transport and port development to ensure the region actively participates in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

The group said this would help decentralise international trade and shipping activities in Nigeria, ensuring even economic development across the country.

In its weekly bulletin signed by the Head of Research, Dr Eugene Nweke, SEREC stressed that improved port development in the region would save the international trading community from logistics bottlenecks and investment losses caused by poor road infrastructure and insecurity.

According to the research body, traders in the eastern region claim that more than 30 per cent of total imports arriving through Western ports are re-transported to the East, leading to higher costs for businesses.

SEREC noted that Eastern ports continue to face policy and technical challenges, including insecurity discouraging vessel owners, shallow drafts limiting access for larger vessels, poor access roads impeding cargo evacuation, dilapidated berths and inadequate equipment.

The centre, however, maintained that with strong political will and presidential endorsement, these challenges are surmountable, while calling on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritise ports and inland waterways development.

SEREC also urged Southeast governors to accelerate efforts to revamp the region’s ports by investing in port upgrades, road and rail linkages, improved waterway security, and public-private partnerships.

The centre added that reducing the number of government agencies operating at the ports would also enhance efficiency and foster economic growth.

“We urge the Southeast governors to take a firm look at the region’s transport needs and unite in pursuing a holistic port revamp. This will help save the international trading public from the agony of logistics constraints and investment losses caused by poor roads and insecurity,” the centre stated.

Meanwhile, SEREC acknowledged significant investments already recorded by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), including port concessions that have enabled greater private sector participation, efficiency improvements through independent power plants, and major investments in port infrastructure such as the Lekki Deep Seaport.

The centre also commended other achievements, such as a 77 per cent revenue increase in 2024, with NPA generating N758.26 billion, securing $1 billion in investments for Tin Can, Apapa, Rivers, and Delta ports, and strengthening maritime security through collaborations with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Port Police.

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