Rivers State Governor, recently reinstated after a six-month suspension, expressed concern over significant economic losses impacting both the state and Nigeria due to the underutilization of the Port Harcourt Port. He emphasized that without fully leveraging the port’s potential, opportunities for job creation, investment, and industrial growth will continue to decline.
Industry experts attribute the port’s underuse to decades of neglect since the end of the war. Sources reveal that only four of the port’s eight berths, managed by PTOL, are operational, while the remaining four under BUA Terminal have been repurposed as a factory site. This has led to vessels queuing for extended periods, causing delays and inefficiencies.
Currently, only one shipping line services the Port Harcourt Port, compared to four at the nearby Onne Port, further highlighting its reduced capacity. Experts note that concessionaires tasked with investing in and upgrading the port’s quays and facilities have made limited progress. Additionally, there appears to be minimal oversight or enforcement from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Ministry of Transportation.
The governor stressed the urgent need to harness the port’s full potential to boost economic growth, create jobs, and attract investment to Rivers State and Nigeria. Addressing these challenges could position the Port Harcourt Port as a key driver of industrial and economic development.
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