National News

Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

National News

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

Published

3 days ago

April 2, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.

The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.

A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.

“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.

Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.

These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001

This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.

And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.

The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

National News

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.

This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.

The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).

The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).

Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.

Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.

He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.

“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.

“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.

Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.

He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

National News

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

Published

5 days ago

March 31, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

By: Michael Mike

The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.

The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.

The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.

His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.

In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.

He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.

The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship