By Ifeanyi Nwaoha

An appeal has gone to Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, Mr. Oyetola Adegboyega to extend the dredging of ports to Onne Port, in Rivers State to enable big vessels to berth so as to bolster economic activities in the state. This passionate appeal was made by the Chairman Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Port Chapter, Chief Hon. Ifeanyi Goddy Isikaku on May 27, 2025 in Port Harcourt.
There has been an approval for the port modernisation of both Tin can and Apapa ports. Recently, Lekki Deep Seaport, Lagos that has draft of 16.4 had been approved by FG to increase it to 19 draft dept so as to allow biggest vessels to berth.
Regrettably, some ports in the Eastern Zone, have not been developed both infrastructure and dredging, rather FG concentrating in developing Western ports. This selective development, has impacted negatively to Eastern zone. Mr.Adegboyega’s action, has no doubt left Onne port, the only viable port with 14. 6 draft that needs a serious attention for dredging, the port should be put it into consideration for an urgent development.

CEO of Godify Towers Group, also frowned at negative reports embarked upon by some ill informed and uninformed persons, especially the resource person who came to deliver lecture on eastern ports, hired by Shippers’ Council, and he made unpleasant remarks about Onne port, saying, ‘it not functioning.’

Chairman ANLCA Onne Chapter, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, refuting the unfounded assertion, said, “How can one say, the port that generates over 50 billions Naira by customs is not working, he exclaimed.

He pointed out, the huge investment of $115billion dollar of West African Containers Terminal (WACT) which among many that attracts activities on weekly basis.

“How can outsiders began to say that Onne sea port that parade seasoned shipping line like OMT that has facility for containerized and general cargoes, Maersk line, MSC, PIL with activities on daily and weekly basis are not working? WACT had invested over $115m to develop its terminal. I think the only reason, is under reportage from the maritime Journalists of eastern zone. Therefore, I call this meeting to enabled you report the Onne port activities and Customs Command on its true position which will change the false impression from outsiders that Onne port is not working, he said emphatically.

Chief Isikaku however, debunked the allegations that price differentials, bad roads and insecurities are some of factors that impacted on the zone.

Chief Isikaku therefore, charged eastern maritime journalists to show concern and positive reportage to Onne port that has necessary facilities to operate.

ANLCA Onne Chapter chairman asserted, Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), DSS, Terminal Operators and other agencies at the port, are the ones that can give correct and adequate information on what is happening at the port on daily basis, he opined.

Commenting on e- call trucking and B’ Odogwu launched at Area2, Customs Command. He explained that,

“B’ Odogwu system launch, which they witnessed as freight forwarders, will enhance the seamless operations of their jobs, and a freight forwarder can use his android phone to carry out his job at any point, provided the customs agent has an internet facility on his mobile phone.’

“B’Odogwu will provide faster and efficient service delivery to both the customs and freight forwarders, compared to the previous services of Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICISS II).

On the e-call up by the Nigerian Ports Authority. He said, the stakeholders meeting with the NPA management, convinced us that e- call is not only for congestion.
It will also provide security of trucks and safety of cargos, leaving the port.

He said, ” The Truck Bay that is currently being put in place at the port will provide accommodation for drivers and car maintenance workshops for fixing of faulty trucks. It is a standard best practices, as witnessed all over the world, thereby reducing road congestion and ensuring adequate monitoring of movement of trucks from the port.”
The vibrant and fearless chairman, reiterated his resolve to make journalists to collaborate with multinationals operating at Onne for objective and fair coverage of the activities at the port, he submitted.