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Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast
Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast
By: Michael Mike
The Igbo Community Association (ICA), the apex socio-cultural body representing the Igbo people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has applauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his relentless and strategic efforts in advancing the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The group, while acknowledging this historic legislative victory, urged the Deputy Speaker to take a further bold step by championing the long-overdue establishment of a seaport in the South East —an infrastructural necessity that has been unjustly denied to the region despite its immense contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
In a press statement signed on Tuesday by its President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the ICA decried the continued absence of a functional seaport in the South East, describing it as an enduring economic injustice that has stifled business growth, inflated costs, and subjected millions of hardworking traders and entrepreneurs to undue hardship.
It however lamented the exclusion of the region from Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, arguing that this deliberate oversight has placed an unfair economic stranglehold on Igbo business owners, forcing them to endure the chaotic congestion and exploitative conditions at Lagos ports.
The association noted that despite being one of Nigeria’s most commercially vibrant regions, the South East remains without a single operational seaport, while other zones enjoy multiple maritime facilities. It recalled that Nigeria currently has six officially recognized seaports under the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), including the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa), Tin Can Island Port, Rivers Port Complex, Onne Port Complex, Delta Port Complex, and Calabar Port.
However, the ICA emphasized that only two of these ports —both located in Lagos—are fully operational, thereby exacerbating logistical challenges for South East importers who must endure exploitative levies, excessive delays, and multiple extortions while transporting goods from Lagos to the region. The group insisted that this economic imbalance is neither incidental nor justifiable but a calculated attempt to undermine the economic advancement of the South East.
The ICA President, Engr. Ezenekwe, called for immediate action to revive and expedite the long-abandoned plans for two strategic seaports in the region—the Obeaku Ndoki Port in Abia State and the Oseakwa Seaport in Anambra State. He described the proposed Oseakwa Port, located along the Oseakwa River in Ihiala Local Government Area, as a project of immense economic significance. He recalled that the location was once an active maritime hub during the colonial era, facilitating the exportation of goods, and stressed that the proposed port, situated approximately 285 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, has the potential to revolutionize commerce in the region, decongest Lagos ports, reduce transportation costs, and stimulate industrialization across the South East.
Reiterating its stance, the ICA asserted that the absence of a seaport is not merely an inconvenience but a deliberate act of economic sabotage that has forced Igbo entrepreneurs to spend billions of naira annually on excessive logistics costs, multiple taxation, and unofficial levies along the Lagos-Onitsha trade corridor. The statement also dismissed the claims and speculations that a seaport in the South East would be unviable, citing the region’s massive commercial activities in cities like Onitsha, Aba, and Nnewi, which account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s non-oil trade. It maintained that if the federal government is truly committed to national economic growth, then establishing a seaport in the South East should be a priority, not an afterthought.
The ICA further warned that continued neglect of this critical infrastructure would only reinforce the perception that the South East is deliberately sidelined in Nigeria’s economic framework, thereby deepening grievances of marginalization. It stressed that the economic transformation of the South East is not merely a regional demand but a national imperative, as it would contribute to a more balanced and productive economy. The group also argued that easing trade bottlenecks through the development of a South East seaport would boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and relieve pressure on the already overstretched Lagos ports.
While commending Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his outstanding leadership and legislative accomplishments in securing the SEDC, the ICA urged him to leverage this momentum to push for the actualization of a seaport as his next historic achievement. It described the Deputy Speaker as a fearless and pragmatic leader who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate legislative processes to achieve tangible results.
The group also called on other federal lawmakers from the South East to rise to the occasion and collectively demand what rightfully belongs to the region, asserting that history would not be kind to those who remain silent while their people suffer systemic economic exclusion.
Challenging the federal government, the ICA demanded that its professed commitment to national development be matched with tangible action, rather than empty rhetoric. It insisted that the South East has waited too long for infrastructural equity, and that the time for excuses, delays, and political maneuvering is over. It warned that continued neglect of this issue would only fuel discontent and further erode the already fragile trust that many Igbos have in the Nigerian state.
The statement concluded by affirming that while the establishment of the SEDC is a significant milestone, it must not be seen as an isolated achievement but rather as a stepping stone towards a broader developmental agenda that includes the construction of a fully operational seaport. It urged Igbo political leaders, stakeholders, and business elites to unite and speak with one voice in demanding urgent federal action on this issue.
“The Igbo Community in Abuja has great confidence in the capabilities of our Deputy Speaker. We are proud to have him representing the nation in such a critical capacity. He has done remarkably well and understands the intricacies of legislative processes. We appeal to him to revisit the issue of seaports, as their establishment would significantly enhance economic activities not just for the South East, but for the entire nation.
“With the successful establishment of the SEDC, securing a seaport for the South East should be the next milestone. It will stand as another historic achievement. And the time is now,” the statement added.
Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast
Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage
By: Michael Mike
The Majority Leader of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Ridwan Barade has called for the outlaw and criminalization of marriage of male or female under the age of 18.
Speaking at a National Roundtable Dialogue with High-Level Policy Makers in commemoration of of the Day of the African Child 2025 organised by the African Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN) Nigeria and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Abuja, Barade said: “A child who is not yet done with education, who doesn’t even have the intellect of herself, is already in a house giving birth to children, which is very wrong, and if we don’t change that narrative, then we won’t be able to move forward as a country.”
He added that: “The normal age for an adult is 18, so I believe if we can have a rule that you can’t marry before 18, then I believe we’re going to have what we’re looking for,” stressing that “the government should make a rule that no parent should give their child out before 18.”
He noted that if we can be able to penalise people that are doing such things, then we’re going to be great country.
He revealed his readiness to work with other members of the Nigerian and other stakeholders to prepare the legal framework for outlawing marriage of minors, people below 18 years.
On her part, the Nigeria National Coordinator of AfriYAN, Adek Bassey has called for the involvement of more youth in governance. She said: “We should be on the roundtable where decisions are taken.”
She also advocated for transparency of programme initiated for youth by government, noting that as at now there are dearth of programmes for youth in the country.
She added that governments in the country should embark on programmes centered around youth and release funds to build youth in the country.
Bassey while commending UN and its agencies for funding programmes meant to advance the course of youth in Nigeria, said the youth will be happy when the major funds for them are from Nigerian government.
She said: “So that when we see a call from our own pool of funds from the government, all of us will be excited that this funding, we are funded by the Nigerian government. No, we are always funded by UNFPA, we are always funded by UN Women’s Agency. We want to be funded by our own Nigerian pool fund for young people, you know, let it be that accessible.
“Put your criteria for us to meet, which we are definitely going to meet and we have track records of our work. So that is what we want to see. Every year, annual call from the government, youth apply for this fund and get to do programmes and you have a tracking system to see that this funding is actually being used for this issue.”
Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage
PEBEC Commences Nationwide Tour on Ease of Doing Business
By: Michael Mike
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is commencing a nationwide tour to sensitize on the ease of doing business.
The tour which would see it conducting technical sessions and town hall meetings in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT is to bring home the strategies on doing business right.
A press statement at the weekend by PEBEC read: “The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is
pleased to announce its nationwide tour, starting on June 23, 2025, to drive the ease of doing business reforms across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The tour will run from the last week of June into mid July.
“The tour will feature technical sessions and town hall meetings, providing a platform for stakeholders to engage with government officials, share experiences, and propose reforms to ease business operations.”
The press statement further read that: “The goal (of the tour) is to create a more conducive business environment, attracting investment, and driving economic growth across Nigeria.”
It revealed that the tour will provide an opportunity for businesses, investors, and the general public to interact with government officials, share concerns, and propose solutions to challenges hindering business growth.
“For more information about the PEBEC nationwide tour, including dates and venues for each state,” the statement asked interested Nigerians to visit PEBEC website or social media channels.
PEBEC Commences Nationwide Tour on Ease of Doing Business
Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a decision he will never regret.
Speaking on Saturday in Uyo during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally sent a message to the governor, assuring him that the APC would be home to him and his supporters.
“This party is your home. You will not be humiliated. You will not be forsaken,” Shettima declared. “Mr. President asked me to assure you personally—no one will question your place here.”
Describing Tinubu as a “bridge-builder” and “deep-rooted democrat,” the Vice President praised the president’s enduring commitment to democratic values, recalling how he stood firm during challenging political periods in Nigeria’s history.
“Few figures in our national history have given as much and demanded so little in return,” Shettima said, referencing Tinubu’s past political sacrifices.
The Vice President noted that the APC is not a party driven by media hype but by vision, merit, and loyalty. “We are not just a political platform; we are a movement,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno said he joined the APC to align with the Tinubu-led administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and fast-track the realization of key infrastructural projects, including the long-delayed Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom.
“My progressive state movement is predicated on enlightened state interest—to support Mr. President’s bold and audacious reforms,” the governor said.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed the governor and his supporters, hailing the massive turnout as a demonstration of public trust in the APC.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the significance of the governor’s defection, describing it not as just a political move but as a full-fledged “movement.” He assured Akwa Ibom citizens of the federal government’s support for development projects in the state.
Other notable speakers included Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who commended Governor Eno’s decision, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, who declared the South-South zone’s full alignment with the federal government.
The event climaxed with the presentation of the APC flag and broom to Governor Eno, symbolizing his official welcome into the party and reaffirming the APC’s stance as a vehicle of national progress.
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