The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has officially launched plans to revive the long-abandoned Oguta River Port in Imo State, positioning the project as a catalyst for economic transformation in Nigeria’s South East region.
According to a statement by Mr. Suleiman Makama, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, the announcement was made during a strategic meeting between NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, and the Technical Team of the Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone, led by Dr. Chioma Nwachukwu. The meeting took place at NIWA’s Liaison Office in Abuja.
Oguta River Port Revival: A Pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda
Mr. Oyebamiji emphasized that the Oguta River Port revival is a key part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, being implemented under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He stressed NIWA’s commitment to public-private partnerships (PPP) as a means of accelerating the port’s revitalisation and unlocking its economic potential.
“The Oguta River Port holds immense potential for the development of the South East,” Oyebamiji said. “We are committed to creating opportunities for investment and industrial growth through strategic collaborations.”
Private Sector Support and Strategic Partnerships
Representing the private sector, Dr. Chioma Nwachukwu of the Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone expressed her team’s readiness to partner with NIWA on the project. She reiterated that the revival of the port would attract both local and international investments, stimulate industrial activity, and create job opportunities for thousands in the region.
“Our goal is to build an industrial and logistics hub in the South East. The Oguta River Port can become a gateway to that vision,” Dr. Nwachukwu said.
Unlocking South East Nigeria’s Economic Potential
The Oguta River Port revival is being hailed as a major step toward diversifying Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, reducing pressure on roads, and opening new trade corridors. Once operational, the port is expected to:
- Facilitate the movement of goods through inland waterways
- Boost trade within the ECOWAS sub-region
- Spur logistics and industrial development in Imo and neighbouring states
- Support the growth of Free Trade Zones like the Orashi Special Energy FTZ
- Create sustainable employment opportunities for local communities
Aligning with National Goals
The revival aligns with the federal government’s broader goals of enhancing trade competitiveness, promoting regional development, and reducing logistical bottlenecks. NIWA’s push for collaboration with the private sector reflects a modern approach to infrastructure development that focuses on efficiency, investment attraction, and long-term sustainability.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Inland Water Transport
The planned Oguta River Port revival marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s inland waterways development strategy. By unlocking the untapped potential of the port, NIWA and its partners are not only boosting economic activity in the South East but also contributing to the federal government’s push for inclusive and diversified growth.
As plans move forward, all eyes will be on NIWA and its partners to deliver on this critical infrastructure promise—one that could transform Oguta into a thriving inland logistics hub and economic engine for Nigeria.
