The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has called for the modernisation and reopening of eastern coastal ports, including Bonny, Opobo and Port Harcourt, as part of measures to boost economic development and improve maritime access for the region.
The group also called for greater unity among Ndigbo and a coordinated strategy to address security, economic, political and cultural challenges confronting the Igbo people in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the WIC’s 2026 Annual Convention held in Austin, Texas, United States, from September 3 to 6.
The convention, hosted by the Igbo Peoples Congress in Austin, was held under the theme, “Igbo Jikota Onu Kwadosie Ike”, meaning “Igbo Unity of Purpose.”
The organisation said delegates reviewed political, economic, security, cultural, legal and developmental challenges facing Ndigbo and agreed that collective interests should take precedence over political affiliations, personal ambitions, state loyalties and other divisions.
“The challenges confronting Ndigbo require a coordinated and sustained strategy built on unity, collective responsibility, economic empowerment, security, cultural preservation, political engagement, institutional development, and accountable leadership,” the communiqué said.
On infrastructure and economic development, WIC called for the reopening and modernisation of eastern coastal ports, particularly Bonny, Opobo and Port Harcourt.
It also advocated the development of integrated transportation infrastructure linking the coast with the hinterland and Middle Belt.
According to the organisation, such investments would help restore maritime access to the Atlantic, stimulate commerce and strengthen regional economic growth.
The WIC also discussed the proposed Wealth-Building Igbo Federal Credit Union, saying it would help create financial institutions capable of supporting entrepreneurship and productive enterprises.
“The Convention reviewed progress toward the proposed Wealth Building Igbo Federal Credit Union and reaffirmed the importance of creating strong and durable Igbo-controlled financial and economic institutions capable of supporting entrepreneurship, financing productive enterprises, and expanding economic opportunities across generations,” it said.
The organisation further reaffirmed its commitment to the proposed Biafra Memorial Museum Project, saying historical records relating to the Nigeria-Biafra civil war should be preserved for future generations
WIC called on Ndigbo worldwide to support efforts to preserve historical records, oral histories, photographs, documents, artefacts and testimonies relating to the period.
The organisation also declared the preservation of the Igbo language, culture and identity an urgent responsibility.
It urged Igbo parents and families to deliberately speak Igbo with their children and transmit Igbo values, customs, history and traditions.
“Delegates emphasized that a people cannot preserve their collective identity if the language through which that identity is transmitted is allowed to disappear,” the communiqué said.
On what it described as injustice against Ndigbo, the group expressed concern over alleged discriminatory treatment, selective justice, bigotry, political marginalisation and unequal application of state power against Igbo individuals and interests.
It reaffirmed the principle that “injustice against any Igbo person should concern all Ndigbo.”
The WIC also devoted discussions to security in Alaigbo, calling for a comprehensive and community-centred approach involving government institutions, community organisations, traditional institutions, town unions, professionals, security experts, technology specialists and members of the Diaspora.
The organisation said security should extend beyond protection from physical violence to include economic security, infrastructure protection, institutional resilience and information awareness.
“WIC therefore calls for sustained strategic dialogue on the security of Alaigbo rather than fragmented and reactive responses to crises,” it said.
On future constitutional arrangements in Nigeria, the group said the boundaries of any proposed regions should take into account ethnicity, history, language, culture and the consent of the people rather than being based solely on existing state boundaries.
It said future constitutional arrangements should also consider territorial contiguity, minority rights, economic viability, maritime access and democratic consent.
The WIC called on Ndigbo to “transcend internal divisions, resist discrimination and bigotry, demand accountability from leadership, defend the legitimate rights of Igbo people, strengthen Alaigbo economically and institutionally, preserve Igbo civilization for succeeding generations, and work collectively toward a secure, prosperous and dignified future.”
“In unity lies our strength. In collective purpose lies our future,” the organisation said.
