From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Abia state government and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) have renewed efforts to actualise the long-stalled Isiala Ngwa Inland Dry Port (IDP), with a focus on unlocking the economic potential of the South East region and fully leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at a strategic meeting in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti expressed frustration over the 19-year delay since the project’s conception in 2006, describing it as “a major economic loss and a sign of flawed implementation.” He identified the absence of standard-gauge rail connectivity as the biggest obstacle to completion.
“The cheapest way to move goods is through rail. You can freight them and pay more, but that’s not sustainable for business,” Otti said, calling for federal government intervention to address the critical infrastructure gaps impeding the port’s development.
The NSC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, revealed that the project, concessioned to Eastgate Container Terminal Limited for 30 years, is only 10% complete. He attributed the slow progress to infrastructure deficits and delayed equity contributions by the concessionaire.
Ukeyima noted that the port could transform Abia into a logistics and trade hub for the region, providing global market access for Aba’s industrial clusters and small businesses, boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and creating thousands of jobs.
“The Isiala Ngwa Dry Port will be a game-changer for Abia and the entire South East. “It aligns perfectly with AfCFTA’s objectives and will facilitate regional trade as well as transit cargo to landlocked countries like Chad and Niger”, he said.
He urged the state to deliver critical infrastructure, including access roads, electricity, and water, and to set up a state-level implementation committee to oversee the project. He also called for strict compliance from the concessionaire while reaffirming the NSC’s commitment to providing technical and regulatory support.
Governor Otti pledged full collaboration, noting that the state had already cleared the site and was working to provide basic utilities, building on commitments made as far back as 2019.
The renewed partnership aims to accelerate work on the Isiala Ngwa IDP so that the South East can fully participate in AfCFTA’s $3.4 trillion market. Once operational, the port is expected to drive export diversification for Aba’s agro-commodities, textiles, and leather products while positioning Abia as a major gateway for trade and economic growth.
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