The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called for the full commercialisation of ports in Rivers State, saying efficient port operations could create jobs, attract investment and reduce businesses’ dependence on Lagos.
PETROAN National Publicity Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, made the call while reacting to the Federal Government’s plans to modernise and upgrade the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.
Obele said upgrading the physical infrastructure would not be enough to attract more businesses to the ports. He said competitive charges, efficient customs procedures, good roads, security and faster cargo clearance would determine whether importers and exporters choose Rivers as an alternative maritime gateway.
He questioned why businesses in the South-South and South-East should continue moving goods through Lagos when ports closer to their markets are available.
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According to him, a more competitive port system could reduce logistics costs while creating opportunities in haulage, warehousing, clearing and forwarding, manufacturing, hospitality and other sectors.
Obele said Onne Port, which already supports the oil and gas industry, should expand its operations to include containers, general cargo, agricultural products, automobiles, exports and manufacturing inputs.
He also called for professional port management, transparent tariffs, modern cargo-handling equipment, digital operations, improved security and greater private-sector participation.
Obele welcomed plans for additional deep-sea ports, including those proposed for Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny, but urged authorities to give each port a clear economic role.
He said coordinated development of the ports could help position Rivers State as a major maritime and logistics hub for the South-South and South-East.
