Special Investigation: South East Is Not Landlock

Oguta Lake Orashi River Dredging To Atlantic Ocean

One of the lies being propagated against the South East is that the region is landlocked even with glaring geographic proof that it is not. This report shows without doubt that South East is not landlocked. It is only the economy that is locked and quick way of unlocking the economy of South East is through marine business.

Contrary to the impression that the South East is landlocked, the truth is that it has one of the potentially deepest seaports in the country at Osemoto/Oseokwa in Imo and Anambra States. A seaport was designated there in 1959, but the project was abandoned and the admiralty membership erased for obvious political reasons. African Development Bank (ADB) feasibility report on this is unambiguous.

Oseokwa (Ihiala LGA, Anambra State) and Osemoto (Oguta LGA, Imo State) are the deepest natural harbors in the country (over 20m deep) and offer real naval and marine transportation platforms if developed. Besides, it lies only 18 nautical miles to the Atlantic Ocean and a strategic hub for the oil industry and inland dry-docks to promote trade. This potential seaport has the capacity of handling over 35 per cent of marine business in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, it was the attraction to these potentials that made the Ikedi Ohakim administration in Imo State to site the Oguta Wonder Lake and Resort Centre in the area to encourage the federal government and foreign investors.

If Ndigbo pursue and complete the seaport, it will also open up over 3,000 square kilometers of the most fertile agricultural land that has one of the highest alluvial deposits which has been in existence for well over a million years. This deep seaport will create over two million jobs, directly and indirectly, in marine business, oil and gas, power, education, housing, agro-food industry, entertainment, tourism, etc.

With that type of setting, Igbo youths will have no need to crisscross the country in search of jobs and in the process endangering their young lives.

In another incontrovertible proof that South East is not landlock the federal government of Nigeria is already part of the project to link the region with the Atlantic Ocean. On Tuesday May 23, 2023 former President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by former Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo flagged off the hydrographic survey and dredging of the proposed sea route from Oguta Lake Orashi Degema to the Atlantic Ocean.

 In his speech at the flag-off ceremony, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo noted, “This project is a vital collaboration between the State Government, the Nigerian Navy, and a consortium of technical partners. It was initiated, approved and set in motion under the stewardship of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Hope Uzodimma.”

He said, “As far back as 1914, the British, understanding its strategic importance in connecting the hinterlands to the coast, utilized this route to facilitate the smooth export of products such as palm oil, timber, and coal, from Oguta and its neighbouring regions. The route has always been a vital component of our nation’s potential for increased trade and economic prosperity. “Today, we aim to revive this once vibrant and economically strategic channel, furthering job creation and sustainable growth in Imo State and the entire Southeast region. By enhancing coastal connectivity and facilitating seamless transportation, the project will promote trade and investment, spur growth in multiple sectors including shipping, manufacturing, and agriculture, and offer numerous opportunities for the people.” He said, “But the good news doesn’t end there. The President, only a few days ago granted Governor Hope Uzodimma’s request to declare Oguta/Ohaji/Egbema and its environs as an oil and gas free trade zone. This proposed free trade zone has one of the largest hydrocarbon deposits in the country. Again, this is another clear winner. The synergy between the dredged sea route and the free trade zone will deliver enormous commercial benefits.

“Also with the dredging project, the Navy will be better equipped to protect our coastlines, thereby curbing crude oil theft and illegal bunkering and other criminal activities that appear to have taken advantage of the difficulty of the terrain for the operational use of naval platforms. A secure environment paves the way for a thriving business landscape and increased revenue for all parties, including states and the federal government. “As improved access to the sea stimulates exports and imports, the coastal communities in these parts will be better positioned to reap the rewards of increased trade and income. There is no better time to have set this in motion. You can rest assured that the Federal Government will continue its support of the State in ensuring that we bring this project to fruition and realize its full capabilities.

“But this project we are here today to flag off is a unique one. There are projects and there are projects. This is an economic transformation project, it is a game changer for Imo State, Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa. “It is one of those one-of-a-kind projects whose benefits have always been glaring, but vision, courage and tenacity were required to bring it to fruition.”