Onitsha Port Comes Alive: First Barge Docks In 2025, Traders Eye Cheaper Transport
Published: August 8, 2025
ONITSHA, Anambra State — In what has been described as a historic milestone for trade and logistics in Nigeria’s South-East, the first commercial barge successfully docked at the Onitsha Inland Port in early August 2025 — reviving a once-dormant transport channel and stirring optimism among local traders and industrialists.
The barge, laden with goods from Lagos, navigated through the River Niger and berthed safely at the rehabilitated Onitsha port terminal — marking the first such operation in decades. The event signals the official reactivation of inland water transport in the region, decades after the port was initially commissioned in the early 1980s but left largely underutilized.
The docking of the barge has been met with celebration and cautious optimism across commercial circles in Onitsha, one of West Africa’s largest trading hubs. For traders long burdened by high road transport costs, long delays, and insecurity along interstate highways, the port’s reopening offers a cheaper and safer alternative for moving goods.
Chief Uchenna Okeke, a leading electronics importer in the Main Market, described the development as “a game changer.”
“We’ve waited for this for too long. With this water route now active, we expect the cost of moving containers from Lagos to Onitsha to drop by as much as 40%. That’s a big relief for our businesses,” he said.
The reactivation of the port was made possible through a partnership between the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and private sector logistics operators. The Managing Director of NIWA, Dr. George Moghalu, praised the feat as part of a larger vision to decongest Lagos ports and optimize Nigeria’s inland waterways.
“Today, we have proven that the Onitsha River Port is viable and functional. This is not a one-time event. More barges are expected in the coming weeks,” Moghalu said during a media briefing at the port.
He noted that the move aligns with the federal government’s multimodal transport strategy, aimed at boosting trade efficiency, cutting logistics costs, and improving access to remote markets.
Traders and logistics operators expressed enthusiasm but also called for consistent operations and infrastructure improvement:
- Mrs. Nkem Ijeoma, a textile dealer, emphasized the need for regular scheduling.
“It’s not just about this first barge. We need this to happen every week, not once in six months.”
- Mr. Emeka Igwe, a transporter, urged the government to maintain navigable river channels and provide security patrols to protect cargo along the waterways.
The reactivation of the Onitsha port is expected to:
- Reduce road congestion and truck pressure on routes like Lagos-Onitsha and Port Harcourt-Onitsha highways.
- Cut down transport and handling costs for traders in the South-East and parts of the South-South.
- Enhance the ease of doing business, particularly for importers, manufacturers, and wholesalers.
Analysts believe the port could stimulate greater investment in the region, spur warehouse development, and foster export opportunities for agricultural produce and locally manufactured goods.
According to NIWA and the Federal Ministry of Transport, plans are underway to:
- Increase the frequency of barge movement.
- Expand port facilities, including loading/unloading bays, customs checkpoints, and security infrastructure.
- Integrate the port with rail and road networks to ease distribution across the South-East and North-Central.
With the successful docking of the first commercial barge at Onitsha Port in 2025, the long-awaited dream of a functional inland port in the South-East is finally becoming a reality. While challenges remain, the development holds vast potential for transforming Nigeria’s transport landscape and boosting regional commerce.
As more barges are expected in the months ahead, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if this historic moment marks the beginning of a sustainable shift — or just a symbolic gesture
Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here
You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com
