UNIEC: LET THE EXPERTS SPEAK ON AZUMINI MARITIME DEVELOPMENT. Evidence, engineering and economic viability—not politics—should guide the future of Alaigbo’s maritime connectivity. Think-Home • Invest-Home • Build-Home.

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

ELDERLY COUNSEL ON AZUMINI MARITIME DEVELOPMENT, PORT CONNECTIVITY AND EVIDENCE-BASED ADVOCACY

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has taken note of the ongoing public discussion concerning the proposed Azumini maritime project, including questions being raised about vessel capacity, navigability, dredging requirements and its potential economic value to Aba and the wider South-East.

UNIEC considers the aspiration for effective maritime connectivity for the South-East legitimate and worthy of serious public attention. However, we also believe that major infrastructure projects must be defended with facts, engineering evidence, feasibility studies and transparent economic analysis, rather than exaggerated claims or dismissive arguments from either side.

LET THE ENGINEERS SPEAK

Our elders teach us:

«“When two men argue about the depth of a river, the wise man sends for the person who has measured it.”»

The appropriate response to questions about Azumini is therefore not ridicule or political accusation, but professional verification.

The relevant authorities and project proponents should publish, where appropriate, the technical studies establishing:

• navigable channel depth and width;
• distance and route to the Atlantic;
• dredging requirements;
• projected vessel size and cargo capacity;
• tidal and hydrological conditions;
• environmental considerations;
• construction and maintenance costs;
• proposed cargo-handling facilities;
• road, rail and inland-waterway connectivity;
• projected cargo volumes; and
• the project's long-term commercial viability.

If the engineering studies establish that the proposed channel can safely and economically accommodate the intended vessels, then the evidence should speak for itself.

5,000 TONS SHOULD NOT BECOME A POLITICAL ARGUMENT

UNIEC also advises the public to distinguish between deadweight tonnage, gross tonnage, vessel draft, channel depth and navigational capacity. These are technical concepts that should not be casually interchanged in public debate.

Whether a 5,000-ton vessel can operate safely at a particular location cannot be determined merely by comparing it with barges or vessels operating elsewhere.

It depends upon the vessel's dimensions, draft, channel characteristics, tidal conditions, dredging depth, turning basin, navigational aids and other engineering parameters.

Consequently, UNIEC encourages qualified maritime engineers, hydrographers, economists and port-development professionals to provide the necessary technical assessment.

THE REAL QUESTION IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The central issue should not be whether Azumini can compete with Lagos, Lekki, Onne or another major port.

The more important question is:

Can an appropriately designed maritime gateway reduce logistics costs, support Aba's manufacturing economy, facilitate exports, attract investment and strengthen the economic integration of the South-East?

If the answer is demonstrably yes, then the project deserves serious consideration and appropriate governmental and private-sector support.

Alaigbo requires multiple interconnected economic gateways—not unnecessary competition between regions.

WE MUST STOP THINKING SMALL

UNIEC believes that the South-East should pursue a comprehensive maritime and logistics strategy involving ports, inland waterways, roads, railways, industrial clusters, dry ports, logistics centres and export infrastructure.

Our aspiration should not be limited to moving goods. We should build the infrastructure required to transform the South-East into a competitive production and export corridor.

This is consistent with the philosophy:

THINK-HOME • INVEST-HOME • BUILD-HOME.

ELDERLY COUNSEL

Let us neither reject a project because of ignorance nor defend it through exaggeration.

Let feasibility studies establish feasibility.

Let engineers establish engineering requirements.

Let economists establish commercial viability.

Let environmental experts establish sustainability.

Let government provide transparent approvals and accountability.

And let the people judge the project on evidence.

Our elders would say:

«“The tree that will provide shade for generations must first be planted on sound ground.”»

UNIEC therefore encourages all stakeholders to defend the legitimate development aspirations of Ndigbo with knowledge rather than anger, evidence rather than propaganda, and strategic advocacy rather than needless confrontation.

If Azumini is technically and economically viable, it should be developed.

If modifications are required, let the experts identify them.

If additional infrastructure is necessary, let government and investors provide it.

What Ndigbo should never accept is the abandonment of legitimate economic opportunities simply because someone declares, without credible evidence, that they cannot work.

At the same time, we must never allow enthusiasm to replace engineering truth.

Let the facts be established. Let the project be properly designed. Let the experts speak. Let investment follow evidence. And let Alaigbo benefit from every viable economic gateway available to her.

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity.