PETROAN National PRO, Dr. Joseph Obele, has called for the full commercialisation of ports in Rivers State alongside the Federal Government's planned modernisation and upgrade of the facilities.
Obele said the upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports presented an opportunity to reduce businesses' dependence on Lagos ports and expand maritime-driven economic activity in the South-South and South-East.
He said physical infrastructure alone would not be enough to attract cargo, investors, manufacturers, importers and exporters, stressing the need for commercially competitive port operations.
According to Obele, factors including port charges, customs processes, cargo evacuation, security, road connectivity, vessel turnaround time and the overall ease of doing business would determine whether businesses choose Rivers State as a maritime gateway.
He questioned why businesses in the South-South and South-East should move cargo through Lagos when ports are located closer to their markets.
Obele said a more competitive port system in Rivers State could reduce transportation and logistics costs, ease pressure on Lagos ports and stimulate activity in haulage, warehousing, clearing and forwarding, manufacturing, hospitality and other sectors.
He also highlighted the potential of Onne Port, particularly its established role in supporting the oil and gas industry.
However, he said the port should develop a broader commercial profile covering general cargo, containers, manufacturing inputs, agricultural products, exports, automobiles and construction materials.
Obele said full commercialisation could also attract manufacturers, logistics companies, export-oriented businesses and distribution centres, while increasing government revenue from port activities and related economic activities.
He said Rivers State could potentially develop into a major maritime and logistics hub for the South-South and South-East if the ports are supported by efficient road and rail connectivity and competitive operations.
Obele called for professional port management, transparent and competitive tariffs, efficient customs procedures, modern cargo-handling equipment, digitalised operations, improved security and greater private-sector participation.
The energy expert also welcomed plans for additional deep seaports, including the proposed Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.
He urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure the ports complement one another and have clearly defined commercial and economic roles.
The Federal Government recently approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, following earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
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