Igbo Traders Rejoice as Onitsha Port Welcomes First Barge of 2025

The Onitsha River Port sprang back to life this week as it received the first barge of the 2025 shipping season, marking a major step forward for inland waterway transport in Nigeria’s South-East region.

The vessels, MV ZUPITOR and MV RB ALASKA, arrived under the management of Universal Elysium Limited, the port’s concessionaire.

This arrival has sparked renewed optimism among Igbo traders, logistics operators, and businesses eager for more cost-effective and efficient transportation options.

Seasonal Operations Remain a Challenge

Despite this positive development, Universal Elysium Limited’s General Manager, Chris Mbonu, cautioned that the port’s full potential remains limited by seasonal constraints.

“The port is fully equipped and ready to operate year-round, but without consistent dredging of the River Niger, we are confined to rainy-season activity,” Mbonu explained.

Currently, barges can only navigate the river during the rainy season when water levels rise sufficiently.

This limits the port’s ability to generate continuous economic benefits and disrupts supply chains.

Call for Government Intervention

Mbonu urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and private investors to prioritize dredging and maintenance of navigable channels.

He emphasized that ensuring year-round accessibility will lower logistics costs, relieve pressure on Nigeria’s overburdened road networks, reduce delivery times, and encourage more businesses to leverage inland waterway transport.

Unlocking Broader Economic Benefits

Beyond cargo movement, Mbonu highlighted that a fully operational Onitsha River Port could stimulate growth in agriculture, tourism, and exports.

Faster transport options would help farmers move their produce more efficiently.

Exporters could ship goods directly to seaports without delay, while the creation of multi-modal transport links connecting road, rail, and river system could unlock further economic opportunities.

A Potential Turning Point for South-East Nigeria

With existing infrastructure and strong market demand, many stakeholders agree that the key to transforming the Onitsha Port into a year-round economic powerhouse lies in political will and sustained investment.

Regular dredging of the River Niger could make Onitsha Port a vital trade hub, revitalizing commerce across the South-East and enhancing Nigeria’s inland waterways network for years to come.

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