By DIANA OMUEZA

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), has urged the Federal Government to streamline agencies operating in ports across the country for efficiency and proper port management.

Mr Eugene Nweke, Head Researcher of SEREC, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nweke called for improved surveillance and security on Nigeria’s waterways and surrounding areas to promote and attract investments and Public-Private Partnerships.

“To revamp eastern ports and promote economic growth the government must invest in Infrastructure; upgrade ports, roads, and rail linkages.

“Poor access roads, poor condition and lack of equipment, shallow depths and many other challenges are limiting big vessel movement and hindering cargo movement.

“The government must also enhance security around waterways and surrounding areas to encourage investments of vessel owners,” he said.

Nweke said that the myriads of challenges in the port industry were surmountable.

He commended the government for revamping Nigeria’s eastern ports, saying it was a pathway to economic growth.

He also commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the recorded investments, including private sector participation in port development and improvement and efficiency.

According to him, notable achievements of NPA includes revenue surge of 77 per cent in 2024, generating N758.26 billion.

“The NPA also collaborating with the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, and Port Police Command, recorded much feat in the Western ports but in spite the progress, eastern ports are facing policy and technical challenges,” he said.

He advised the NPA to optimise the on-going eastern ports reforms by focusing on investments and infrastructure development.

Nweke appealed to the South East Development Commission, to focus on ports and inland waterways development, adding that it would go a long way in reducing the high cost of goods and logistics gotten through ports.

“We urge the south eastern governors to take a strong look at the regional transport necessity and unite towards pursuing a holistic port revamp in the region.

“This will help save the international trading public the agony of logistics encumbrances and investments loss on the highways due to poor roads and insecurity issues.

“Presidential endorsement remains crucial for strategic investment drives and development and public-private partnerships and stakeholder engagement is key to economic growth,” he said.

Nweke said that by addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, the eastern ports could become a hub for economic growth and development and thus, promote inter regional transport and port development. (NAN)