Hon. Josiah John Olu, Managing Director/CEO of Virgin Links Nigeria Limited, has called attention to the challenges affecting Onne Port, particularly the poor state of roads that hinder its full operational potential. Speaking to journalists, Olu described how the dilapidated road network, especially the Eleme axis of the East/West Road, creates significant bottlenecks for cargo trucks, hampering the port’s efficiency and causing delays in the delivery of goods.
Olu, a key player in the local maritime sector, emphasized that Onne Port, once a vital hub for commercial, oil, and gas cargo, has seen its capacity underutilized. Despite being designated as an Oil and Gas Free Zone to attract foreign investment, many oil and gas companies have scaled back operations due to reduced demand, and the port’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with the demand for more efficient operations.
The poor road conditions, which have been an issue since 2014, have led to delays, increased operational costs, and difficulty in meeting shipping deadlines. The dilapidated roads discourage many importers from using the port, further contributing to the decline in its throughput. Additionally, security checkpoints on these routes contribute to inefficiencies, as the time taken to pass through these stops results in further delays. Olu urged the government to prioritize road infrastructure improvements, citing that better road access will reduce congestion, enhance operational speed, and attract more investors to the port.
On the security front, the port faces significant challenges. Recently, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service declared a state of emergency at Onne Port after authorities seized a large quantity of illegal arms and counterfeit goods. Olu called for strengthened security measures at the port, advocating for greater cooperation with international partners to prevent the entry of contraband before it reaches Nigeria’s shores. He also highlighted the need for modern technology to improve security monitoring and logistics management at the port.
Despite these setbacks, Olu acknowledged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders for their continuous efforts to improve the port. However, he stressed that without reliable power supply and better infrastructure, the port will continue to struggle to meet its full potential. The lack of power is especially problematic in the Free Zone, where businesses are heavily dependent on a stable energy supply for operations.
Olu concluded by underscoring Onne Port’s crucial role in the economy of the South/South region. He urged immediate action to upgrade the port’s infrastructure, which he believes is essential to unlocking its economic potential and attracting much-needed foreign investments.
