Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has lamented the massive economic losses caused by the underutilisation of the state’s two seaports, warning that until they are optimised, Rivers and Nigeria will continue to forfeit jobs, investments, and industrial growth.

Fubara made this known on Monday while receiving the Board and Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Chairman, Senator Adeyeye Adedayo Clement, at Government House, Port Harcourt.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the Governor stressed that seaports are critical to national development, noting that world-class port infrastructure drives prosperity in leading economies.

He said Rivers is strategically blessed with seaports in Port Harcourt and Onne, yet their economic potential remains largely untapped.
“We are blessed with the Port Harcourt and Onne seaports, but the truth is they are underutilised,” Fubara said. “Imagine if Onne Port was working at full capacity—the level of activities around Eleme, Tai, and other surrounding areas would transform our state’s economy, create jobs, attract industries, and expand manufacturing and logistics operations.”

He noted that maximising the ports’ capacities would cut logistics costs, attract export-oriented businesses, and boost tax revenues.

Fubara emphasised that Rivers provides a peaceful and investment-friendly environment, with minimal community interference in port operations, unlike in some states.

On infrastructure challenges, he pointed to the poor state of federal roads leading to the ports, which he said worsen flooding and cause severe traffic congestion.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise repairs, while pledging state government support with traffic management, trailer discipline, and related interventions.

The Governor also pledged to enhance security around the ports by establishing a police station within the facilities, linking insecurity to unemployment.
“Most of these societal issues stem from unemployment. If activities pick up at the ports, nobody will want to be a criminal when there are genuine opportunities to make a living,” he said.

Fubara cautioned against illegal encroachment on port lands, urging the NPA to submit reports of specific cases for prompt state intervention.

He also promised to support remedial drainage works to mitigate flooding in partnership with the NPA.

Commending the Board for engaging the state government ahead of planned interventions, Fubara said such collaboration would ensure community buy-in and project sustainability.
“When government is part of your programmes, it means you have already succeeded, because the government represents the people,” he said, assuring the NPA of his administration’s full support.

Earlier, NPA Board Chairman Senator Adedayo said Nigeria’s littoral states hold immense potential for economic growth through their marine resources and pledged the Board’s commitment to revitalising operations at the Port Harcourt and Onne ports.

He solicited the state’s support for rehabilitating access roads, keeping the ports clean, regulating truck parks, and improving security.