Stakeholders Push to Boost Non-Oil Export Through Port Harcourt International Airport

Stakeholders in the export value chain have called for urgent reforms to reposition Rivers State as a major hub for non-oil exports, following deliberations at an Export Breakfast Meeting held on Thursday, November 13, in Port Harcourt.

The event was convened by chairman of the Export Trade Group of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and Executive Secretary of the Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM), Effiong Udofia .

The meeting brought together exporters, airline operators, logistics experts, government agencies and private sector leaders to address challenges hindering export cargo movement through the Port Harcourt International Airport.

Udofia said the goal of the engagement was to move from talking to taking action, he noted that the Niger Delta must take ownership of solving its export problems, insisting that unfair charges on the region must end.

“Exporters in the South-South have long asked, how can we move goods easily, safely and competitively through Port Harcourt Airport? Today, we’re here to find that answer together”.

He added that the collaboration of exporters, airlines, Customs, FAAN and other operators would mark a turning point for export operations in our region.

President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, Chinyere Nwoga, said the Chamber’s trade groups remain its “engine hub” and are central to strengthening the local business environment. She urged exporters to work as clusters rather than individually to attract better opportunities and financing.

“When it comes to exports, it is very important for us to work together as clusters because if you work as individuals, sometimes you don’t get the money that we need.”

She encouraged non-members to join PHCCIMA, saying the event’s free training showed that the Chamber is open to all levels of business.

Speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Government, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Joe Johnson, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a business-friendly economy under the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara. He said the administration is already pushing reforms to strengthen investment and diversify the economy.

“This government will join business with the private sector. We believe strongly in PPP, and the governor has demonstrated strong commitment to transforming Rivers State from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified and technology-driven hub.”

Air freight consultant and CEO of Klever Handling Global Resources, Omanake Clever, highlighted why air freighting remains expensive and difficult in Port Harcourt. He said the red-flag security classification placed on the state and low cargo volumes raise operator costs and drive up freight rates.

“Port Harcourt has been designated a red zone, so anyone coming in knows he needs to prepare very well. All these are factors that contribute to why air freighting seems difficult here.”

He recommended cargo aggregation centres and stronger collaboration among local agents, saying, “We must understand that synergy must be put in place. People should specialise in each stage and bring their expertise together so we form a system.”

Delivering the keynote on strengthening air freight logistics, Mac-Kingsley Ikegwuru emphasised that non-oil exports cannot grow without stronger international alliances, efficient infrastructure and sustained policy reforms. He stressed that dependable policies and skill development are essential for Nigeria to become competitive globally.

A communique from the meeting called for urgent measures to boost non-oil export activities through the Port Harcourt International Airport.

It recommended that the state government should establish or partner with a dedicated cargo airline to ease the movement of goods, it l also urged the creation of export warehouses across Local Government Areas to support aggregation and packaging at the source.

The meeting further highlighted the need for professional consolidators to gather products from SMEs for bulk shipment, harmonised freight rates by airlines and logistics providers, and a reduction in handling charges to encourage small-scale exporters.

A key recommendation was the removal of the international “red flag” security classification placed on Rivers State. Participants called on the state government to engage relevant global bodies to lift the embargo and attract foreign airlines.

The communique also advised deliberate government collaboration with PHCCIMA to include export-support initiatives in the state budget.

On capacity building, it recommended integration of export operations into university curricula through partnerships with IEOM, as well as the establishment of an export-focused programme at Rivers State University under its Logistics and Supply Chain Management Department.

Finally, the meeting urged PHCCIMA, IEOM and NEPC to intensify efforts to group SMEs into cooperatives and clusters to solve low-volume problems and improve access to loans.