… Demands rise for a Benin-Calabar rail line to move goods

..Case for Niger Delta industrial parks urgent

…Membership mobilization a basic task for MAN

Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, regarded as the core Ijaw capital, was agog all of November 13 and 14, 2025. This is because, for the first time ever, the annual general meeting and conference (AGM) of the formidable body of wealth creators, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for Rivers and Bayelsa states was holding in Oguo’s Home.

It held very big significance, both for the indigenes who regard the state capital in Epie language to mean home founded by Oguo. The home, now city, welcomed top manufacturers around Nigeria who came in solidarity with the home chapter being Rivers/Bayelsa chapter.

Incidentally, the joint chapter has its headquarters in Trans-Amadi (the street formerly known as Danjuma Drive) in Port Harcourt, it has always been comfortable holding its activities, especially the AGM, in the Garden City. It was difficult attracting enough attention from Bayelsa leaders to attend or to move the AGM to Yenagoa, until Duoye Diri the doer did it this year.

No better place was picked to serve as venue than the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, a place that stands to always remind all Bayelsans and all Ijaw of the man who stood tall in all senses and fought to death like Isaac Adaka Boro, Melford Okilo or Harold Dappa-Biriye for the uplifting of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the larger Nigeria.

The location and venue alone gave out the 2025 AGM as a huge success even before the first shots were fired in discussions. This was heightened by the first-ever governor to physically address the AGM and declare it open when Goc Diri did this. The world seemed to have heard it, followed with the technical paper presented at plenary by Silver Opuala-Charles, a key Ijaw intellectual, a professor of Economics, banker, and finance management expert of international repute who was once a commissioner of finance in Bayelsa State and now founder of the Garden City Premier Business School.

The professor examined Niger Delta non-oil economy and discovered that manufacturing is in distress and that the region is trapped by its own potential. He titled his paper thus: ‘Broken Trade Infrastructure Killing Niger Delta Manufacturing’. He warned that the Niger Delta’s collapsing trade infrastructure is crippling industrial growth and costing Nigeria billions in lost economic potential.

He pointed at the region’s non-functional ports, failed roads, absence of rail links, and outdated logistics systems saying these have become one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s competitiveness.

He rather stated: “This region should be Nigeria’s industrial heartbeat. Instead, we are witnessing ports that don’t work, roads that have failed, and logistics trapped in the past. No economy can grow under these conditions.”

He noted that: “Nigeria has not achieved stable 5,000MW of power in decades.”

Major highlight of the AGM was the panel brainstorming which examined many strategic issues especially mass movement of goods along a possible industrially viable coastal route from Benin to Calabar. They suggested the rail option to complement the existing but badly maintained East-West Road and the upcoming Coastal Road which looks uncertain beyond Lagos.

According to Mike Nosa Agana, an engineer and chairman of the organizing committee, who is also the vice chairman of the branch, the panel explored the possibility of the states of the region to work with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to share the cost and shoulder such a project in a short time that would immediately transform the economy of the region.

It is envisaged that such a project, if well executed, could attract power supply system along the route and industries would simply dot the route. An industrial avenue would have been created.

The panel also advocated for establishment of industrial parks in the region especially within Rivers and Bayelsa states. Such parks would provide space, security, steady power supply, ease of doing business in terms of harmonized taxes and levies, and guaranteed off-takers. The NDDC has already developed such plan but proper liaison with the MAN in the area would help streamline the dream for better execution.

Blue economy was also a big focus at the panel. Many experts showed areas to start from and how the two states can start with fish processing and other programmes and projects in the sector.

Mobilisation of members was seen as a starting point so MAN can expand its membership base now that it has firmed gained root in Bayelsa State. It means that the next leadership of MAN would have to focus on massive membership mobilization and concrete projects it would have pushed through the NDDC and the two state governments. There is also need to push through some policies with timelines to make manufacturing attractive in the Niger Delta instead of the region remaining comfortable with being known as a consumer zone for all manner of products from other regions.

Experts asked MAN to tie two matters together for better result; industrial park system and gas power system.

Read also: MAN wants Rivers, Bayelsa to champion blue economy especially ship repair, fish processing

In his paper titled: ‘Gas as a Catalyst: Quantum Leaping Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta’ by Ehizogie N Olotu, Sales and Commercial Manager, Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, urged the FG to ensure incentives to the manufacturing while state governments in collaboration with the private sector and through public private partnerships should be at the vanguard of creating gas powered industrial parks, innovation centers, free trade zones.

Asking that existing parks should be developed, he said these interventions should position the Niger Delta as a hub for regional manufacturing exports.

Governor seen as a hero:

The push by host governor, Diri, to bring manufacturing and food processing to Bayelsa State was seen as a major breakthrough. In his address, he flaunted steady power supply project of his administration to MAN.

Harping on the theme of the conference: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta,’ Gov Diri said it aligns with his administration’s mantra of ‘Assured Prosperity.’

He praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development.

Gov Diri highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.

He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.

In his welcome address, Vincent Okuku, an elder and chairman of the Rivers/Bayelsa Branch, gave voice to the joy of MAN to the Bayelsa State Government under Gov Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.

He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.

Concerns of manufacturers in the zone:

Okuku, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.

Otumba Francis Meshioye, the President of MAN, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Ministry Regional Development, and the Bayelsa State Ministry for Trade, Industry, and Investment.

Key resolutions for action:

In a communique signed by Okuku (MAN branch chairman), Agana, (organizing committee chairman), and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary of the MAN branch), the participants observed that the Niger Delta is richly endowed with natural resources suitable as raw materials for various manufacturing processes.

They also observed that the region is strategically positioned for industrial growth but continues to face inadequate infrastructure, unstable power supply, and security challenges.

“The Niger Delta serves as a vital hub for maritime trade, logistics, fisheries value chains, renewable marine energy, and ocean-sustainability-driven manufacturing.

“There are significant opportunities in manufacturing, marine-linked industries, gas utilisation, renewable energy, agro-processing, technology, and value addition. There is an urgent need for policy consistency, improved ease of doing business, and stronger industry–government collaboration.”

They said the blue economy offers emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology. “Human capital gaps remain significant, calling for enhanced technical and vocational training aligned with modern industrial needs.

“The blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation. MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively.

“The region requires dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power. The future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries.”

They further observed that technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce were essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region and urged governments in the region to intensify support for manufacturing activities. They called for various forms of collaboration across sectors to be actively encouraged.

In major recommendations, MAN AGM 2025 urged manufacturers to adopt automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, and appealed for public–private dialogue to be strengthened to harmonize policies and swiftly address operational bottlenecks.

Other recommendations include: “Bayelsa and Rivers States should fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth. Cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states and countries should be fostered to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.

“Quarterly interactive meetings between manufacturers and MDAs should be institutionalised to address operational challenges and influence policy direction. Investments in coastal industries, including seafood processing, shipbuilding and repair, and other maritime-related sectors, should be prioritised.

“Government should ensure consistent policy support to address implementation gaps and security concerns. Government should invest in human capital, promote local content policies, and implement targeted skill-building programmes to strengthen the local workforce.

“Leadership and development partners must champion strategic planning, infrastructure development, and capacity building as core drivers of industrial growth. The adoption of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and the establishment of export-ready manufacturing clusters should be prioritised.”

The AGM concluded with an appeal for renewed commitment from government, industry, and development partners to build a more productive, innovative, and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem in the Niger Delta.

They said the meeting marked a new phase of cooperation aimed at unlocking the region’s industrial potential, accelerating economic diversification, and promoting shared prosperity for both the region and the nation.

What is left, according to observers, is practical steps to actualize the Yenagoa declaration, as it were, at least an agreement in the next few months with the NDDC and FG partners for the Benin-Calabar rail line as well as kick off of industrial parks in the region.