The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called for the inclusion of ports in the Niger Delta in Nigeria’s national maritime development agenda, days after Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed an agreement to modernise key Lagos ports.

The council made the appeal following the reported deal to upgrade facilities at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Binebai Princewill, the IYC—an umbrella body for Ijaw youths worldwide—commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts to modernise port infrastructure, but stressed the need for fairness, equity, and adherence to federal character principles in the distribution of national assets.

The group called for the development, rehabilitation, and full operationalisation of key ports in the Niger Delta, including Burutu, Warri, Onne, Sapele, Bonny, Koko, Brass, Agge Deep Seaport, and Gelegele Seaport.

It noted that these ports are historically significant and possess strategic advantages for trade, logistics, and industrial expansion.

According to the IYC, balanced port development across all geopolitical zones would help decongest Lagos ports, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, strengthen national security, and promote regional industrialisation.

The council urged the Federal Government to ensure that ongoing and future port projects reflect national balance, while also calling on relevant agencies to undertake 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 read.

“We therefore urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by ensuring that port development projects reflect true national balance. The principle of federal character must not remain theoretical but should be evident in tangible projects that impact citizens.”

The group warned against what it described as the over-concentration of port infrastructure in Lagos State, noting that such centralisation places excessive pressure on existing facilities while sidelining viable ports in the Niger Delta.

It also expressed concern over reports that investments worth over ₦1.3 trillion are being channelled into Lagos-based port projects, describing the trend as a potential source of regional imbalance and economic exclusion.

“Nigeria is a federation, and its development must reflect inclusivity across all geopolitical zones,” the statement added.

The IYC further cautioned that the failure to address demands for equitable development could fuel ethnic tensions and deepen divisions across the country.

“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,” it stated.

The council, however, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy for justice, equity, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta and Ijaw territories.