Who is Afraid of Another International Seaport in the South-South or South-East?

As a Nigerian of Esan extraction, I'm compelled to share my thoughts on the state of our nation. I'm not a professional writer or journalist, but rather a public policy enthusiast who often comments on issues that may not be on the news radar. My goal is to spark meaningful conversations, even if my views may not resonate with everyone.

In December 2020, I wrote about the gridlock at Apapa Wharf in Lagos, highlighting the need to develop the Southeast Seacoast of Nigeria. I'm not advocating for this because I'm a Biafran sympathizer or IPOB supporter, but because I believe it's time for Nigeria to move beyond ethnic and religious biases in project allocation. We're either one country or we're not.

Here are some excerpts from my previous article, "Nigeria: Overcoming the Uncomfortable Truth in the Search for Economic Development. (The Ultimate Solution)]:

"Our economy has outgrown the capacity of Apapa Wharf and Tin Can Island Sea Port. Why haven't we considered building additional ports in Ugheli, Warri, Yenagoa, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Calabar, or Bakassi Peninsula to decongest Lagos? Let's focus on the economic benefits and job opportunities this would bring."

"Moving goods from Akwa Ibom or Bakasi Peninsula to Adamawa, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Taraba, and Benue States is faster and more economical than from Apapa Wharf. Why are we hesitant to open up Nigeria's South-South coastline to the global community?"

"Is this a conspiracy to undermine the economic strength of the Igbos and Niger Delta? The issue isn't lack of vision or financial resources, but control. Do we have the manpower to manage the increased commerce and trade through the South-South corridor?"

"If we had multiple ports along the South-South coastline, we'd need qualified Immigration and Customs Officers to manage them. This would require relinquishing control by privileged ethnic groups, who have dominated Lagos' ports for the past 50 years. This isn't sustainable for an economy seeking investment."