Efforts to revitalize the Onitsha River Port have gained momentum as the Anambra State Government collaborates with the Belgian government to restore the port’s infrastructure and operational capacity.
Governor Charles Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Patricia Igwebuike, hosted Ambassador Pieter Leenknegt of Belgium to Onitsha on Friday, December 13, 2024, as part of ongoing measures to ensure the port becomes a hub for trade and economic activities in southeastern Nigeria.
The Onitsha River Port, built in 1983 under President Shehu Shagari’s administration, was designed to facilitate cargo movement, boost trade, and stimulate economic growth in the region. However, years of infrastructural decay have limited its potential.
In 2022, a 30-year concession for the port’s rehabilitation and operation was awarded to the Universal Elysium Consortium under a Rehabilitate-Operate-Transfer (ROT) model. This agreement, approved by the Federal Executive Council during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, laid the foundation for current revitalization efforts.
During the visit, it was revealed that the port, spanning over 18 hectares, is being re-equipped to handle general cargo, containers, bulk cargo, and other freight. Key features of the port include a 324-meter wharf with potential for expansion, a 180-meter quay length, warehouses, workshops, and parking facilities. Its strategic location, 18 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean on the east bank of the Niger River, underscores its importance for trade and transportation.
To further enhance the port’s operations, plans for establishing a Free Trade Zone within the facility are in progress. Registration is nearing completion, and construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Governor Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing critical challenges, including dredging, regulatory hurdles, and outdated infrastructure, to ensure the port operates at full capacity.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), represented by Port Manager Martins Osazuwa, as well as prominent business leaders. Their presence highlighted the collective anticipation of the port’s transformation into a catalyst for economic growth and regional development.
The collaboration between Anambra State and Belgium marks a significant step toward unlocking the full potential of the Onitsha River Port, paving the way for better days ahead for the state and its residents.