There was a palpable sense of excitement and renewed optimism in Onitsha today as the city’s inland river port officially received its first barge shipment of 2025 — a major milestone for regional trade and logistics.
The barge, which departed from the Lagos port complex via the River Niger, docked at the Onitsha River Port early Friday morning, marking the first cargo delivery of the year and signaling a positive step in Nigeria’s ongoing push to decongest coastal ports and enhance inland waterway transport.
Dozens of stakeholders, including representatives from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Anambra State government officials, local business owners, and logistics operators, gathered at the port to witness the momentous arrival.
“This is more than just a barge docking — it’s a symbol of progress,” said Mrs. Amaka Eze, Regional Operations Manager for NIWA. “We are witnessing a shift in how goods can move across the country efficiently, reducing both road congestion and transportation costs.”
The barge reportedly carried a mix of building materials, consumer goods, and agricultural inputs, all of which are expected to support local industries and reduce delivery timelines for businesses in the southeastern corridor.
Onitsha Port, which has seen sporadic activity since its formal commissioning, has been the focus of renewed government attention in recent years. Efforts to revive inland water transport and boost the utilization of the port have been tied to the federal government’s broader infrastructure agenda.
Mr. Obinna Okafor, a local trader at the popular Onitsha Main Market, expressed his enthusiasm. “We’re hopeful this means less delay and cheaper goods. If this keeps happening regularly, everyone benefits — from big importers to small market women like my wife.”
Officials confirmed that more barge arrivals are scheduled in the coming months, with the ultimate goal of establishing a consistent inland shipping route that supports both imports and exports.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its transport network and unlock economic opportunities beyond coastal hubs, today’s arrival is seen as a strong indicator that inland ports like Onitsha are beginning to fulfill their long-anticipated potential.
