…Concessionaire urges River Niger dredging
The Onitsha River Port in Anambra State was filled with excitement on Monday, August 4, 2025, as the first barge of the 2025 navigation season, MV ZUPITOR/MV RB ALASKA, successfully berthed.
The development marked a major milestone for inland waterway transport in Nigeria.
Cheers erupted as Mr. Chris Mbonu, General Manager of Universal Elysium Limited, the port’s concessionaire, and other stakeholders welcomed the vessel laden with general cargo. Describing the event as symbolic, Mbonu hailed the berthing as a positive development but also a stark reminder of the infrastructural and operational gaps limiting the port’s full potential.
“The port is functional and ready to work 365 days a year. But without consistent dredging of the River Niger, we are forced to operate only when the waterway allows us, essentially turning a national asset into a seasonal stopgap,” he told reporters at the port.
Mbonu explained that Onitsha Port’s operations are largely dictated by the seasons, peaking only during the rainy months when water levels rise enough to allow vessels through. The issue, he clarified, is not a lack of demand or infrastructure, but the irregular dredging and poor channel maintenance of the River Niger.
He issued a passionate appeal to the federal government, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and private stakeholders to prioritise consistent dredging of the river to enable year-round navigability.
“Dredging the River Niger isn’t just about port operations—it’s about unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential. We already offer bonded terminal services, warehousing, cargo handling, and Free Trade Zone operations. What we lack is year-round access via the river,” he said.
Comparing a port without navigable waterways to a car without fuel, Mbonu said the seasonal shutdown during the dry months, typically December to July, renders the port idle, undermining its economic impact and reducing Nigeria’s inland logistics capabilities.
He stressed that all-season dredging of the River Niger would transform the port into a truly functional logistics hub, reduce the burden on congested roads, cut transportation costs, and improve delivery timelines.
“It would boost investor confidence, enhance Nigeria’s export potential, and enable vessels to move raw materials, agricultural produce, and solid minerals from the hinterland to the coast for international trade,” Mbonu added.
He highlighted the ripple effect on multiple sectors—agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and exports. With efficient inland waterways, farmers could move their goods faster, manufacturers could cut logistics overheads, and exporters could access ports more efficiently.
Beyond commerce, he said the River Niger holds enormous tourism potential. “Regular dredging would also open up ferry services, cruise operations, and hospitality development along the river, creating new jobs and attracting investment into recreation and tourism.”
Mbonu further notes that with the right policy direction and sustained investment in dredging, Onitsha River Port could emerge as a vibrant, multimodal trade corridor linking Nigeria’s coastal ports to its southeastern and north-central commercial centres.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with the United States as part of its efforts to boost economic growth and development.
This commitment was underscored during a meeting between the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and the
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs, the meeting
highlighted the historic and strategic bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States. The Minister emphasised that Nigeria values its partnership with the United States and will explore new frontiers to enhance investment opportunities, promote innovation, and contribute to sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.
HM Edun reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Foreign Direct Investors (FDIs) to unlock investment opportunities in the country. He added that improved cooperation between Nigeria and the United States aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, which prioritizes private sector participation, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Speaking earlier, the US Consul General, Mr. Richard Swart commended the Federal Government for its ongoing reform initiatives and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic development.
He stated that the United States and Nigeria have built a resilient and enduring partnership. *We will continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and capacity building. Our goal is to support Nigeria in achieving broad-based economic growth and improving the lives of its citizens.* Mr. Swart said. The Consul General acknowledged the importance of fostering transparent and investor-friendly policies, as well as creating an enabling environment for the U.S. businesses to thrive in Nigeria.
Both parties expressed optimism about future engagements and pledged to work towards deepening bilateral economic relations, enhancing trade flows, and attracting increased foreign direct investment in Nigeria. As both nations look to deepen their economic partnership, the prospects for increased foreign direct investment, improved trade flows, and sustainable development in Nigeria appear promising.
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