March 22, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Ohanaeze Youth Council has strongly condemned the Nigerian government’s £747 million port rehabilitation agreement with the United Kingdom, describing it as a clear case of continued marginalisation of the South-East region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s National President, Igboayaka Igboayaka, criticised the deal, warning that the exclusion of South-East maritime infrastructure from major national projects could deepen separatist agitations.
Details of the Controversial Deal
The agreement, reportedly signed at Lancaster House, covers the upgrade and modernisation of key Lagos ports, including Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port.
The deal was witnessed by President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Blair McDougall represented the British government.
Claims of South-East Neglect
The Ohanaeze Youth Council argued that the government’s continued focus on Lagos ports ignores historically viable maritime locations in the South-East.
The group highlighted several proposed or abandoned port sites, including:
- Ose-Akwa/Ose-Moto (Anambra/Imo axis)
- Azumini Blue Sea (Abia State)
- Ozziza Beach (Ebonyi State)
According to Igboayaka, the Ose-Akwa/Ose-Moto corridor along the Urashi River possesses a natural depth suitable for a modern seaport and is geographically closer to the Atlantic Ocean than Lagos ports.
He further alleged that the project, initially proposed during the colonial era, was abandoned in favour of Lagos-based infrastructure.
Link to Rising Agitations
The group linked the perceived neglect of infrastructure in the South-East to growing agitation for Biafra, referencing the activities of Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra.
According to the statement, long-standing disparities in infrastructure development—including seaports, airports, and railways—have contributed to feelings of exclusion among the Igbo population.
Call for Immediate Action
The council called on the Federal Government to:
- Commence dredging of the Ose-Akwa/Ose-Moto seaport channel
- Develop port infrastructure in Abia and Ebonyi States
- Ensure equitable distribution of national projects
- Hold South-East political leaders accountable for advocacy failures
They warned that continued neglect could have serious political and economic consequences for national unity.
Historical Context
The group also claimed that Eastern Nigeria once played a major role in maritime trade, citing pre- and post-independence port activities in the region.
It argued that the abandonment of such infrastructure projects has slowed economic growth and development in the South-East.
Growing Debate
The development has sparked renewed national debate over equitable infrastructure distribution and regional inclusion in federal projects.
While the Federal Government has yet to respond to the allegations, analysts say the controversy highlights long-standing concerns about balance in Nigeria’s development strategy.
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