Bonny LG Chairman Reopens Coconut Estate Waterfront, Unlocks Economic Activities

Business activities are set to resume fully at the Ogugumanga (Coconut Estate) waterfront in Bonny Local Government Area, following the resolution of a dispute that had stalled operations there.

Chairman of Bonny LGA, Abinye Pepple, declared the Ogugumanga waterfront reopened for business on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, has after weeks of shutdown that had affected sand dealers, tipper operators, and scrap traders.

“All previous restrictions, shutting down economic activities at the Coconut Estate waterfront have been lifted with immediate effect”, he announced, asserting that the move was aimed at unlocking the economic potentials of the LGA.

He announced this after a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Government Lodge, Bonny, where representatives of the affected groups agreed to terms that will restore commercial activities.

He added that both Coconut Estate and Berger Bypass jetties will now operate simultaneously to ensure fair access for all business operators.

Checks by Kristina Reports indicate that the reopening is expected to ease pressure on the construction supply chain in Bonny, where sand and scrap are critical to building and related industries.

The shutdown had caused disruptions and threatened livelihoods of workers who depend on the waterfront for daily income.

Pepple emphasized that his intervention was guided by “transparency, equity, and the need to foster peace and prosperity” in Bonny.

He condemned attempts at monopoly, insisting that both indigenes and non-indigenes must have equal access to economic opportunities.

“All parties must embrace dialogue to sustain peace and ensure fairness in the use of our jetties,” he said.

Leaders of the trade groups; Sand Dealer Chairman; Dakuro Pepple, Scrap Association Chairman; Barau Musa and Tipper Union Chairman; Azubuike Pepple all commended the LGA boss for his timely intervention and pledged to uphold the resolutions reached.

The meeting also had in attendance the Vice Chairman of Bonny LGA, Ibinyefagha Alabere; Leader of Bonny Legislative Council, Kingsley Jumbo; Secretary to the Local Government, Tamunotonye Jumbo, as well as heads of security agencies and representatives of the affected unions.

With the decision, economic players in Bonny anticipate renewed growth and stability across sectors linked to the waterfront economy.