UK–Nigeria £747 Million Lagos Ports Deal Sparks Regional Tensions as Ohanaeze Raises Marginalisation Concerns!

Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly criticised the recently announced £747 million ports development agreement between United Kingdom and Nigeria, warning that the deal could deepen longstanding regional imbalances and further marginalise the South-East.

The agreement, which focuses on the modernisation and expansion of port infrastructure in Lagos Nigeria’s commercial capital has been positioned by both governments as a strategic investment aimed at boosting trade efficiency, reducing congestion, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime logistics. However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo argues that the exclusive concentration of such a significant investment in Lagos reinforces a pattern of uneven development that has historically disadvantaged other regions, particularly the South-East.

In a statement issued by its leadership, the group expressed concern that despite repeated calls for the revitalisation of ports in the South-East such as those in Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar federal authorities continue to prioritise Lagos-based infrastructure. According to the organisation, this trend undermines national cohesion and economic inclusivity, especially in a country as regionally diverse as Nigeria.

“The persistent concentration of critical infrastructure in Lagos raises questions about equity, fairness, and strategic national planning,” the group stated, adding that the South-East remains a vital economic hub with untapped maritime potential that could significantly contribute to national growth if adequately supported.

The £747 million deal reportedly involves financing and technical collaboration aimed at upgrading port facilities, improving cargo handling capacity, and streamlining logistics operations in Lagos. Analysts suggest that the initiative aligns with broader efforts by Nigeria to address chronic bottlenecks in its port system, which have long contributed to delays, increased costs, and inefficiencies in the import-export value chain.

Government officials have defended the decision, citing Lagos’ status as the country’s primary maritime gateway, handling the majority of Nigeria’s cargo throughput. They argue that investing in Lagos ports offers immediate and measurable returns in terms of revenue generation and trade facilitation. Nonetheless, critics contend that such reasoning overlooks the strategic importance of decentralising port infrastructure to reduce pressure on Lagos and stimulate economic activity across other regions.

Economic experts note that the underutilisation of eastern ports has persisted for years due to factors including poor dredging, inadequate connectivity, and security concerns. Revitalising these ports, they argue, could decongest Lagos, lower transportation costs for businesses in the eastern corridor, and foster more balanced regional development.

The controversy also highlights broader debates around federal infrastructure planning and resource allocation in Nigeria. Stakeholders across civil society and regional advocacy groups have increasingly called for a more inclusive approach that reflects the country’s federal character and promotes equitable growth.

While the UK–Nigeria partnership underscores growing bilateral economic ties and the UK’s continued interest in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, the backlash from Ohanaeze Ndigbo signals the need for policymakers to carefully balance national priorities with regional sensitivities.

As discussions continue, observers stress that addressing these concerns will require not only transparent communication but also concrete policy actions aimed at integrating neglected regions into Nigeria’s long-term economic strategy.

Sources:
Reports from BBC News, Reuters, The Guardian, Channels Television, and Punch Newspapers.

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

www.selemedia.org