The Igbo Community Association (ICA), the leading socio-cultural body representing the Igbo people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the establishment of a seaport in the South-East region. In a statement signed by its President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the ICA expressed concerns about the economic injustice stemming from the lack of a functional seaport in the region, which it claims has stifled business growth, inflated costs, and subjected local traders and entrepreneurs to undue hardship.
The group argued that the exclusion of the South East from Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure has placed an unfair economic burden on Igbo business owners. They are forced to contend with the congested and exploitative conditions at Lagos ports, where goods must be transported from distant locations at great cost and inconvenience. Despite the region’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy, the South East remains without an operational seaport, while other regions benefit from multiple maritime facilities.
The ICA highlighted the six official seaports under the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), including those in Lagos, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar, with only two of the Lagos ports being fully operational. This situation exacerbates logistical challenges for South East importers who endure excessive delays, exploitative levies, and multiple extortions.
The ICA specifically called for the revival and expedited development of two long-planned seaports in the South East: the Obeaku Ndoki Port in Abia State and the Oseakwa Seaport in Anambra State. The Oseakwa Seaport, located along the Oseakwa River in Ihiala Local Government Area, is described as a project of significant economic potential. The region, once an active maritime hub during the colonial era, has the infrastructure and economic activities—especially in cities like Onitsha, Aba, and Nnewi—to support a viable seaport.
The ICA refuted claims that a South East seaport would be unviable, citing the region’s thriving commercial sector, which accounts for a large portion of Nigeria’s non-oil trade. The group emphasized that establishing a seaport in the South East should be a priority for national economic growth and development, not a secondary concern.
The association warned that continued neglect of the region’s infrastructure would only deepen feelings of marginalization. While acknowledging the progress made with the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), the ICA stressed that it must be viewed as part of a larger developmental agenda that includes the creation of a fully operational seaport.
The statement concluded with a call for Igbo political leaders, stakeholders, and business elites to unite in demanding urgent federal action on the issue, urging that the time for action is now.
