The Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and full operation of key ports across the Niger Delta, citing the need for balanced infrastructure development nationwide.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesman, Binebai Princewill, the group acknowledged ongoing efforts by the administration of Bola Tinubu to modernise port infrastructure, particularly recent large-scale investments in Lagos.

However, the IYC expressed concern over what it described as a concentration of resources in one region, warning that such an approach could deepen economic disparities and fuel tensions.

The group listed several ports in the Niger Delta that require urgent attention, including Burutu, Warri, Sapele, and Koko in Delta State; Onne and Bonny in Rivers State; Brass and Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State; and Gelegele Seaport in Edo State.

It called on the Federal Government to ensure fairness and adherence to the federal character principle in the allocation of national infrastructure, stressing that development should reflect the country’s diverse regions.

The IYC also urged authorities to involve local stakeholders, particularly host communities, in planning and execution processes to ensure inclusive and participatory development.

According to the group, revitalising ports in the Niger Delta would help reduce congestion in Lagos, improve logistics efficiency, boost local economies, and create employment opportunities, especially for young people.

The statement further noted that such investments would enhance maritime security and support industrial growth and export diversification.

The IYC appealed to the government to extend ongoing and future port projects to other regions, adding that inclusive infrastructure development is essential for sustainable economic growth.

It also called on the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to initiate feasibility studies, dredging operations, and public-private partnership arrangements to revive the identified ports.