Onitsha River Port Welcomes First Commercial Barge Shipment
The Onitsha River Port has reached a major milestone in its operations with the arrival of its first commercial barge. This development marks the port’s resurgence as a key player in Nigeria’s transportation and logistics sector, following years of inactivity.
First Commercial Shipment: A Major Step Forward
On August 16, 2023, the Onitsha River Port successfully received its first commercial barge, carrying a shipment of tiles from Ajaokuta. This marks the beginning of regular commercial operations at the port, with shipments expected to occur weekly. Each barge will carry around 600 tons of tiles to Onitsha, while an equal amount of clay will be shipped back to Ajaokuta.
Dr. George Nwangwu, the Managing Director of Universal Elysium Consortium Limited, which manages the port, expressed his satisfaction with the efficient handling of the first shipment. He noted that this is just the beginning of a promising future for the port, as more cargoes are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
The operationalization of the Onitsha River Port is expected to significantly reduce road congestion in the southeastern region of Nigeria. With the shift to barge transportation, fewer trucks will be needed on the roads, leading to smoother traffic flow and more efficient movement of goods. This is a key step toward transforming the port into a hub for regional economic development, providing a more sustainable and cost-effective logistics solution.
The port is poised for further growth, with plans to expand its services and attract diverse cargo shipments. This development will not only enhance trade in the region but also boost local economies by improving access to goods and services.
A Bright Future for Onitsha River Port
Following years of underutilization, the Onitsha River Port began receiving pilot cargo barges in October 2020 from Onne Port in Rivers State. This marked the beginning of efforts to revive the port, and with the arrival of the first commercial shipment, full-scale operations are now officially underway.
The successful handling of the first commercial barge highlights the port’s readiness to serve as a vital transportation hub. With its ability to provide efficient alternatives to road transport, Onitsha River Port is set to play an important role in driving economic growth in southeastern Nigeria.
As the port continues to grow, it will be exciting to see the positive impact on both the regional economy and the broader logistics industry in Nigeria. Stay tuned for more updates on the developments at Onitsha River Port.
