By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide, has called on the federal government to urgently prioritise the development, rehabilitation, and full operationalisation of key ports within the Niger Delta region to ensure equity and federal character.

The IYC said it has taken note of ongoing efforts by the federal government to modernise Nigeria’s port infrastructure, particularly the recent multi-billion naira investments concentrated in Lagos.

However, the group pointed out that Nigeria’s maritime development must not be disproportionately concentrated in Lagos State alone, adding that the continued centralisation of port infrastructure in Lagos not only places undue pressure on existing facilities but also sidelines historically significant and economically viable ports across the Niger Delta and Ijaw territories.

Spokesman of IYC Worldwide, Amb Binebai Princewill in a statement on Sunday said: “While we acknowledge and commend the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its commitment to economic growth and infrastructural renewal, we strongly call for fairness, equity, and adherence to the principle of federal character in the distribution of such critical national assets.

“It is our considered position that Nigeria’s maritime development must not be disproportionately concentrated in Lagos State alone. The continued centralisation of port infrastructure in Lagos not only places undue pressure on existing facilities but also sidelines historically significant and economically viable ports across the Niger Delta and Ijaw territories.

“The IYC Worldwide therefore calls on the Federal Government to urgently prioritise the development, rehabilitation, and full operationalisation of key ports within the Niger Delta region, including: Burutu Port (Delta State), Warri Port (Delta State), Onne Port (Rivers State), Sapele Port (Delta State), Bonny Port (Rivers State), Koko Port (Delta State), Brass Port (Bayelsa State), Agge Deep Seaport (Bayelsa State), and Gelegele Seaport (Edo State).

“These ports are not only historically relevant but are also naturally endowed with strategic coastal and riverine advantages, including deep natural channels, proximity to international shipping routes, and access to Nigeria’s vast oil and gas corridors. Their locations position them as critical gateways for trade, logistics, and industrial expansion. It is therefore imperative that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu takes decisive steps to revive and fully harness these ports for optimal productivity and national economic growth.

“The current concentration of port development in Lagos—reportedly involving investments valued at over ₦1.3 trillion—raises serious concerns about regional imbalance and economic exclusion. Nigeria is a federation, and its development must reflect inclusivity across all geopolitical zones.

“The IYC Worldwide wishes to clearly state that the continued refusal or failure of the federal government to address such critical and genuine demands for inclusivity remains one of the major drivers of rising ethnic agitations across the country. Nigeria, as a multi-ethnic nation, must be governed with fairness, justice, and balance, where every ethnic group feels a sense of belonging and equitable treatment. Anything short of this risks deepening divisions and undermining national unity.

“We further note ongoing engagements and parleys by the federal government with international partners, including authorities in the United Kingdom. While such engagements are commendable, we strongly insist that similar levels of attention, dialogue, and strategic engagement must be extended to the Niger Delta region—particularly to stakeholders and host communities in Ijaw areas where these critical ports are located. Development cannot be externally driven alone; it must be locally inclusive and participatory.

“We emphasise that developing ports in the Niger Delta, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo (Gelegele), and other Ijaw areas will decongest Lagos ports and improve national logistics efficiency, stimulate economic growth in oil-producing communities, create employment opportunities for thousands of youths, enhance national security through distributed maritime activity and promote regional industrialization and export diversification.

“The Ijaw nation, which has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economic survival—particularly through oil and gas resources—deserves equitable access to infrastructure that will further unlock its economic potential.

“We therefore urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by ensuring that ongoing and future port development projects reflect true national balance. The principle of federal character must not be theoretical; it must be visible in tangible projects that impact the lives of all Nigerians.

“The IYC Worldwide also calls on relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to immediately commence feasibility assessments, dredging operations, and public-private partnership frameworks aimed at reviving these critical maritime assets.

“Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable economic growth while neglecting regions that historically formed the backbone of its maritime economy. The time has come to correct this imbalance and build a truly inclusive port system that serves all Nigerians.”