IYC Demands Inclusion of Niger Delta Ports in National Maritime Agenda
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has issued a strong call for the inclusion of ports in the Niger Delta region within Nigeria's national maritime development agenda. This appeal comes shortly after Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed an agreement to modernise key ports in Lagos, specifically targeting upgrades at the Apapa and Tin Can Island facilities.
Appeal for Fairness and Equity
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Binebai Princewill, the IYC—an umbrella organization representing Ijaw youths globally—praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his initiatives to enhance port infrastructure. However, the council emphasized the critical need for fairness, equity, and strict adherence to federal character principles in the allocation of national assets. The group highlighted that balanced development across all geopolitical zones is essential to avoid regional disparities.
Key Ports in the Niger Delta
The IYC specifically named several ports in the Niger Delta that require development, rehabilitation, and full operationalization. These include:
- Burutu
- Warri
- Onne
- Sapele
- Bonny
- Koko
- Brass
- Agge Deep Seaport
- Gelegele Seaport
The council noted that these ports hold historical significance and offer strategic advantages for trade, logistics, and industrial expansion. By revitalizing these facilities, Nigeria could decongest the overburdened Lagos ports, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, strengthen national security, and promote regional industrialization.
Economic and Security Implications
The IYC warned against the over-concentration of port infrastructure in Lagos State, arguing that such centralization places excessive strain on existing facilities while neglecting viable ports in the Niger Delta. The group expressed concern over reports indicating that investments exceeding ₦1.3 trillion are being directed towards Lagos-based port projects, describing this trend as a potential source of regional imbalance and economic exclusion.
In its statement, the IYC underscored that Nigeria, as a federation, must ensure inclusive development across all geopolitical zones. The council cautioned that failing to address demands for equitable development could exacerbate ethnic tensions and deepen divisions nationwide. "As a multi-ethnic nation, Nigeria must be governed with fairness, justice, and balance, where every group feels a sense of belonging. Anything short of this risks undermining national unity," the statement read.
Call to Action and Commitment
The IYC urged the Federal Government to ensure that ongoing and future port projects reflect national balance. It also called on relevant agencies to conduct feasibility studies and establish partnership frameworks to revive dormant maritime assets. "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 unlock its full economic potential," the statement asserted.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful advocacy, the IYC pledged to continue pushing for justice, equity, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta and Ijaw territories. The council's appeal highlights a growing demand for more distributed infrastructure investments to foster national cohesion and economic resilience.
