The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has called for the development of ports and special economic zones across Nigeria’s geopolitical regions to reduce the concentration of maritime trade activities in Lagos.
NAGAFF Secretary-General, who spoke on the association’s position on the proposed Special Economic Zone initiative, said Nigeria’s maritime potential could not be fully harnessed if major trade activities continued to remain concentrated in the South-West.
He said the association was advocating the development of other maritime corridors, including the ports in the South-East, Calabar, Onne and Warri, to provide importers and investors with alternative channels for moving goods into the country.
According to him, Nigeria is a maritime nation with waterways capable of supporting economic activities beyond Lagos, stressing that the concentration of bonded terminals, off-dock facilities and related trade infrastructure in one region was not in the country’s overall economic interest.
He said the position was contained in a policy paper presented in Port Harcourt on behalf of NAGAFF President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, which examined indigenous empowerment and the geographical distribution of trade infrastructure.
He argued that the development of ports in other regions would expand Nigeria’s trade channels, provide alternatives for importers and stimulate economic activities in communities outside Lagos.
The NAGAFF official particularly advocated greater attention to the eastern and southern ports, including Onne, Calabar and Warri, saying some of the facilities could be dredged to accommodate increased maritime activities.
He also questioned the continued concentration of port-related infrastructure around Lagos despite the country’s vast coastline and network of waterways.
He said the association’s proposal was not limited to identifying the problems confronting regional maritime development but also contained possible solutions aimed at opening up other parts of the country to international trade.
The development, he said, would have the added advantage of promoting indigenous participation, creating employment opportunities and spreading the economic benefits of maritime trade.
On developments in Abia State, the NAGAFF official commended Governor Alex Otti for efforts to develop the state’s industrial and maritime infrastructure.
He said work was ongoing on the proposed seaport structure in Abia State, with land already acquired and dredging activities underway, adding that the project was expected to provide another avenue for trade and economic development in the region.
He also highlighted the governor’s plans for improved rail connectivity, CNG-powered transportation and industrial development, arguing that regional cooperation among governors would be necessary to achieve effective interstate transport and maritime connectivity.
The NAGAFF position adds to growing calls for Nigeria to diversify its maritime infrastructure and develop multiple trade corridors capable of supporting economic activities across the country.
