I like containers because logistics is commerce. Without seaports, many components of market systems fade. Nigeria needs to have more of those critical infrastructures to advance shared prosperity and the wealth of our nation. Ibom deep seaport or Ibaka deep seaport (pick your location or name) MUST be deployed urgently. It’s about time!
Ibaka/Ibom deep seaport in Akwa Ibom will be a great promise for Nigeria. If you have that seaport and link Aba with a railtrack, making it easier to move cargoes from Ibaka/Ibom to Enyimba city, Nigeria will advance.
But Akwa Ibom may not have the capacity to build that seaport alone. Yes, unlike decades ago where Nigeria was organized regionally, for development, the states of today do not have financial muscles for grand infrastructure projects. Here is a solution: Abia and Akwa Ibom can come together to execute the playbook.
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If they do, the broad North East, Niger Delta and South Eastern corridors of Nigeria will see the cost of shipping drop by at least 27% compared to using Lagos seaports. And the impact would be huge unlocking opportunities and advancing communities.
In America, New York and New Jersey run a common port authority. Baltimore and Washington DC do a similar thing; Akwa Ibom and Abia must execute that template. Ibaka/Ibom must work!
Akwa Ibom, it’s time. It is indeed – it has to be built to advance the prosperity of Nigeria. Yes, as we examine the possibilities in Abia, we also examine critical enablers, from neighbouring states which can make the God’s Own State a true center of “prosperity through enterprise”.
In the hundreds of suggestions we received for the transformation of Abia, a seaport was a top-five infrastructure. Vox Populi, Vox Dei.
Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe
Co-chair Abia State Economic Transformation Transition Council
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Abia state can have its own sea port too, Obeaku Sea port.
Obeaku will be a small seaport for small goods, not for large vessel. The cost to expand Obeaku is something even Nigeria government can’t venture into.
Ibaka seaport in Akwa-Ibom State is the answer.
Agreed
Abia and Akwa Ibom should cooperate for now. Together the expansion can come in later. There should be no aguement. Abia and Akwa Ibom are brothers. Light have come darkness disappear.
Akwa ibom doesn’t need Abia state to cooperate into building it. Out. Akwa ibom has independently been on the project for years now alone.
Your comment sound more egocentric rather than addressing the economics of the project. Any state in the entire south south and south east region that wish to build a sea port without Aba and Onisha in mind is merely embarking on an ego trip of a white elephant project. Without Aba as target, Akwa Ibom do not need an airport. So l support the 2 states to collabo in the seaport project.
Do you think Abia state has the require land mass to harbor seaport or International Jetty. Take a tour for site visit to Onne Port jetty then you will have an idea of what it takes to have even a jetty
No small seaport but could be termed International Jetty
Obeaku ndoki in abia state is larger than onne in rivers state by land mass don’t you know that
If we can’t have our own we should forget it. Are we learning nothing at all?
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Let’s have joint Sea Port. Let’s start from there. Our mistakes in Lagos was that we were buying lands building structures. Akwaibom is closer, we can use the port and not buying properties in that state. It’s closer home every infrastructure can still be built in Abia.
In the nearest future jealousy and envy will come in by the time Igbos will cover that Sea Port with their goods, you’ll start hearing “Igbos want to take over our land and sea”. I would have agreed with the writer if the two states are of the same ethnic stock we can’t continue building or helping others to build life’s time infrastructures in their lands.
Correct my dear, exactly what will happen. Let’s have our own if possible. Let Igbos learn to stay on there own, period
No, country has ever survived on their own. We can’t build our seaport in 4yrs without proper funding. But this is better than Lagos, we bought properties in Lagos, because of the distance, but this is closer home. Let’s embrace akwaibom as our own
Let’s embrace Akwa Ibom as our own. Akwa Ibom that had waited for more than 8yrs to patiently build this project do they have 2 heads. Why can’t Abia fund their own?
My brothers, if our previous governors are visionary governors, this project would have been a functional one by now. They squander all our 24 years allocation. Now that we have visionary Governor seaport with Akwa Ibom is possible. With cooperation Abia and Akwa Ibom will lead Nigeria maritime in improving the economy of Nigeria.
The Challenge there is that Igboland is landlocked with no access to the sea that can accommodate very large container ships.
On that basis having a collabo with Akwa Ibom is not a bad idea.
Prof. Ekekwe,
Apart from Obeaku, there is absolutely this Azumiri and other sea in Abuja that can be explored Am happy you are part of this great Team.
Kudos!!
I think is a good idea for both states , but it should be called Aba- Ibaka deep sea port .The partnership will be for life and it will be a free trade zone for both states , incorporating the rail system direct to South East states .Rest assured that when this is done , there will be spiral development in both Akwa Ibom and Abia state, as well as other eastern states as Igbo will troop on back to South South and South East for business, infact import business will drop in Lagos from over 100 percent to 50%!!..Also the value of land in this axis will spiral rocket to the benefit of both states .Even Akwa Ibom state do it alone , it will still be the Igbos that they will woo to use it extensively in order to generate much funds in recouping thier investment, that is when South West will recognize the importance and benefits of IGBOS in that region .IGBOS are angry and they will like to bring thier investment and business back to former Eastern region , so states that made up of this region such as Akwaibom, Delta , Rivers and Edo state that have direct access to the deep seas have the opportunity to woo the IGBOS to thier domain!!..That will not stop our governors to develop others shallow ports in Igbo heartland to enable continue business expansion and importation!!
See them. Akwa Ibom that has independently funded the project for years now. And you come here to spit rubbish that the name should be ABA-IBAKA DEEP SEA PORT.
YOU ARE MAD
You see why you are the one stupid and senseless, you a mere write up you are raining Abuses , you must be sick mentally.
AKWAABIA SAEPORT. Suggested Name.
Mr Man can you see your level reasoning? just mere discussion you have started raining abuses. I think its Akwa ibom continue with their seaport, let Abia state moves ahead with proposed sea port in obeaku. Yet major investors would still be igbo business mogul.
We can cover the seaport, but don’t build infrastructure there, you won’t have problems with the indigenes. But there’s still a difference between them and the southwest.
We can’t build our seaport in 4yrs without proper financing. But this is better than Lagos, we bought properties in Lagos, because of the distance, but this is closer home
We can cover the seaport, but don’t build infrastructure there, you won’t have problems with the indigenes. But there’s still a difference between them and the southwest.
We can’t build our seaport in 4yrs without proper financing. But this is better than Lagos, we bought properties in Lagos, because of the distance, but this is closer home
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Let’s have joint Sea Port. Let’s start from there. Our mistakes in Lagos was that we were buying lands building structures. Akwaibom is closer, we can use the port and not buying properties in that state. It’s closer home every infrastructure can still be built in Abia.
You are very right ??.
Built your state and leave very fine.
I always pity those Ibos who built in Lagos including my sister who married an Ibo man. I advise her to sell the house and come back to the east where she belongs, we know the yorubas very well. I really like your comments sir.
Look at your mentality, ordinary roads you people can’t build in Abia state you’re here talking about irrelevance things. By the way, who told you that Akwa Ibom needs your collaboration? How much do you have as a state compare to Akwa Ibom? If FG have conscience let them give Akwa Ibom all the approval the state have requested and see the magic that will happen in Akwa Ibom.
If you see the master plan of Ibaka deepsea port and the supporting infrastructure, all neigbouring states are covered. You have covered. Trust me
You should also consider your mentality. “How much do you have as a state compared to akwaibom”. People like you are the ones that will start accusing the neighbouring states tomorrow of trying to reap where they did not sow. Nigeria has a deep problem of disunity. We need a new mind
You guys are missing it all , Akwa Ibom people’s are never your enemy but lgbos are enemy to their save so stop talking nonsense . Akwa Ibom can build th
e sea port without you guys
Don’t say they they are saying nonsense, don’t you see what is happening in Lagos.
But one thing is certain, akwaibom is better because it’s closer home.
The mistake made in Lagos was because of the distance
So what is your point now sir.
I believe Akwaibom and Ibos are almost same compare to a different region entirely. I don’t think the writer Saud you show build any Infrastructure there. Go get yours and back home very simple. What Mr.Chinonso Osundu said was very wrong. If you have that mind set, u won’t achieve anything. That’s isn’t a Leader’s mindset or someone who has another person interest also.
What happened in Lagos also was that the Ibos didn’t come together to achieve something, the level of Competition among the Ibos was too much.
Same thing happening to get BIAFRA, no unity among the Ibos for that.
You have a very poor view points and primitive mindset politically, some of your comments here are shameful and disgraceful, I’m from Anambra state, the reality is that southeast does not have access to international waters as it is, but our neighbors have and they are good people, many Akwa Ibom people are nice, cool, calm and easy going people, I have plenty of them as friends and so to other South south states. Pls stop pushing for this primitive narrative it won’t help us as a region at all, back in the days when we all were eastern region before 1960, eastern region was fastest growing economy in the world, make some research, pls let’s encourage peace and unity, black people are one people no matter what language we speak or tribe we come from, I come in peace.
I’m really impressed by your comment
Igbo tribe is in akwa ibom
I wish the old eastern region mind set of unity and progress can be back, but a lot of damage have been done to that region. Nigeria has created so much hate and distrust among brothers. We need a revival
Mr Ebuka, your comment is quite interesting. divide and among the eastern region has set us backward infrastructurally.
We have told them so many times and have to tell them again, and I repeat your word to them again, stop talking nonsense, we do not need your help to build our seaport.
Learn to humble yourself, stop talking proudly when you don’t have anything. We Akwa Ibomite were known for house help and gateman before redemption took place. Some sensible people are talking about unity and prosperity for progress you are trying to cause problem by your hate speech.
Akwa Ibom is relatively small and a virgin environment that is not dominated by any large ethnic group like the Yorubas. It should also be embraced by its peaceful and non tribalized status. Akwa is a place for all, especially the area where the seaport is to be sited, you will find virtually all Nationals of the entire African sub-regions in Ibaka. Most of the big properties found in there are owned by Ghananians, Togolies and Igbos.
Akwa Ibom enjoys living together in harmony irrespective of where you are from and the religion of practice.
It’s unfortunate that some of the thoughts here are racially induced. One hand does not clap alone. I live in that part of Abia State where a few minutes away people from Akwa Ibom communities fetch water and exchange supplies with their Abia counterparts. If you understood the degree of cordial relationship that has existed for decades among these people you won’t write some of these stuff. I think this is one of the most laudable projects that has been conceived and I’d subscribe to it rather than investing in the SW and other places. I believe in the strengthening of infrastructure and economic capacity of the entire SE irrespective of language. We are stronger together. A stick of broom can’t sweep like a bunch of broomsticks.
Leave those myopic elements, some of their views are shameful, a tree does not make a forest. We must jettison this primitive mindset, south south and southeast are brothers till they kingdom come no matter their politics to divide us and we must also build together with other regions, black people are one people just that we the blacks has poor mindset, so kudos to this wonderful project, it has come to stay.
Lies….
I totally agree with this idea the entire south East and south south have a cordial relationship from time and this project in Akwa Ibom is the bridge to building a stronger region. I am from Akwa Ibom and I believe this is a good idea and we need all the help we can get to make this a reality. For now it really does not look like the federal government has any plan to change the current status quo as it pertains to developing the seaports across Nigeria.
The ibaka seaport is a great and commendable project,nice one
If Ibaka seaport is not a bad idea
Ibaka seaport is not a bad idea
Yeah ibaka seaport is a very nice idea if Yoruba people will allow it to come exist, it help the traders between Abia, imo,Anambra,ebonyi,Enugu,pH, delta,cross River please let’s join hands build it, the new elected government should put their heads together both akwa abasi ibom and Abia states government thanks
Some of the people making hateful comments here are probably not even from Akwa Ibom. They could be from some other ethnic group(s) altogether, and feeling threatened and envious, want to sow seeds of discord. I’m Ibo, living and working in Akwa Ibom, and I can tell you, the overwhelmingly vast majority of Akwa Ibomites have a healthy, welcoming, and progressive mentality. They do not feel threatened in any way by Ibos making progress, as they have always lived side by side in harmony. The progress of the former Eastern Region of Nigeria attests to that.
I’m fully supported,let us join hands together and create more investment in South South and South East .
This could be very commendable if the two states can come together and streamline certain issues which may bring quarrels amongst them.
Stop this nonsense. This is a plot to take over Akwa Ibom.
How much money does Abia have compared to Akwa Ibom?. Even if Abia was to have the money, this in NOT a sincere proposition. Talking about New York and New Jersey, have you look at their maps, and above all, have you ever heard of New York people saying that New Jersey belong to them or New Jersey saying New York belong to them? This is fraud and a nonsense plot to take over Akwa Ibom.
The example of New York / New Jersey sea port makes no sense in this discussion because New York and New Jersey are neighboring states that share southern boundary at the Atlantic Ocean. Looking at the map of Nigeria, the neighboring states that share boundary at the ocean (Atlantic Ocean whose African coast line is known as the Gulf of Guinea) that may consider joint venture in sea port are: (1) Lagos/Ogun/Ondo, (2) Delta/Ondo, (3) Delta/Bayelsa, (4) Bayelsa/Rivers, (5) Rivers/Akwa Ibom, and (6) Akwa Ibom/Cross River. If any of the six listed groups were to be able to have a pure and sincere business venture in sea port development, they the only group that would be comparable to New York/New Jersey sea port mentioned in this discussion. If what many people often refer to as New York Sea port is owned by New York and New Jersey, one has to know that the sea port has existed for years without fighting and that would NEVER be the case in Nigeria.
Brothers, there is no gain engaging in squabble. The initiative is pretty and commendable. Presently in the history of Nigeria we, should settle for what can unite us more than, what can divide us more”.
I think challenge here is that, from onset we are not a people that, believe in business partnership. With increasing globalization effects, today especially in the maritime industry had, achieved notable achievements through what is known as STRATEGIC ALLIANCES in which parties pull resources jointly to build investments for common goals.
In Asia continent, there is no region in the world that is, more culturally diverse than them and, yet when it comes to investments alliance, has been bedrock of the most successful business enterprises. Alliances will spur more developmental projects for economic prosperity and buoyancy.
At present, Nigeria need regional government, and so seaport investment between Abia/Akwa Ibom is strategic projects. Port regionalization will promote long standing success in the regional economies. Port regionalization refers to the investment of major pot facilities and infrastructures to further hinterland areas in the regional markets, or economies. Industrial cluster will definitely spring up for wealth creation and economic prosperity. One of the critical challenge facing Nigeria is, unemployment which port industry and related business will surely settle it. Port regionalization will create opportunity for “spatial investment’ these are investments in project which, provide asset that function to sustain due to existence in close proximity to seaport. For examples, warehouse, manufacturing , rail yard, terminals, banks, hotels, malls, and recreation facilities, and more.
Please lets do away with unnecessary arguments, and expect emergence of better Nigeria.
I submit
EMELE CHIDI.P, Certified, Maritime Professional and Practitioner, Lagos.
What strategic alliance is this? Is there one existing successful alliance among/between any of the existing five southeast states to talk about one that include a non-southeast state?. The south-south people love their southeast brothers and sisters but is this love reciprocal? The fact is that this is a DUBIOUS INTENTION and nothing to do with strategic alliance. How do you have a strategic alliance with someone you do not recognize their self-determination and existence? Does the southeast people even recognize that the entire south-south exist as a region? Is it not our southeast brothers and sisters that are the main champion of the so call Nigerian tripod because they do not want other major ethnic groups that are mainly from the south-south (Ibibio/Efik/Annang, Ijaw, Urhobo, Itshekiri, Ogoni, etc., etc) to have any recognition even though their sons and daughters were among the founding fathers of Nigeria and their resources fuel the Nigerian economy.
Obuaku seaport should be a start as we will gradually wean off Lagos port till Akwa-Ibim state sees a collaboration with Abia State as a necessity for growth and not an option
Look at the title of the article we are commenting on, it is for the “….rise of Abia and Akwa Ibom …..”. Seriously? It is Akwa Ibom seaport but the article which is putting forward a dubious intention is already using Abia before Akwa Ibom which tells something fishy. The comment above written on May 5, 2023 writes about Akwa-Ibim. We are not Akwa-Ibim, we are Akwa Ibom. You do not even know the name of our state, or may be you are already attaching Ibo name to it as a sign of the fishy intention.