Ijaw Youth Congress Urges Development of Niger Delta Ports

The Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritize the development and rehabilitation of ports in the Niger Delta region, specifically highlighting the need for full operational capacity at key ports such as Burutu, Warri, Sapele, Koko in Delta State, Bonny River in Rivers State, Brass deep seaport in Bayelsa State, and Gelegele seaport in Edo State. IYC spokesman Binebai Princewill stated that the congress acknowledges the government's recent investments in port infrastructure, particularly in Lagos, but criticized the disproportionate concentration of resources in Lagos, which undermines the historical significance of ports in the Niger Delta.

The IYC stressed that revitalizing these ports would decongest Lagos, improve national logistics efficiency, stimulate local economies, and create thousands of jobs. They urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that ongoing port development projects reflect equitable distribution principles and engage local stakeholders in the Niger Delta.