The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, expanding its port renewal programme beyond Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector and reduce the heavy concentration of cargo traffic in the nation’s commercial capital.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, noting that it followed the earlier green light for the modernisation and upgrade of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Ajibola, Oyetola said the latest approvals were designed to strengthen port infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
According to the minister, the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to make the maritime sector a stronger contributor to economic growth, trade, investment and job creation while creating a more balanced port system across the country.
“This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports,” Oyetola said.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had identified infrastructure renewal and economic diversification as central to economic growth, stressing that efficient and competitive ports were critical because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.
Government targets more balanced port system
Oyetola explained that extending the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would complement ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island while providing additional gateways for international trade.
He said the move would help ease the concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos and create a wider network capable of supporting the movement of goods across different regions of the country.
According to him, upgrading the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would improve cargo handling, shorten vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the transportation of goods more predictable and affordable.
“These ports have strategic roles to play in our trade, industrial and regional development, and we are determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy,” he said.
FG expands deep seaport development
The latest approvals come alongside the Federal Government’s wider efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure through the development of new deep seaports.
The government has already approved the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun State, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo State and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
Oyetola said combining the modernisation of existing ports with the development of new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. This will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
FG targets integrated maritime and logistics network
The minister further stated that the Federal Government was working towards an integrated maritime and logistics network in which ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure would work together to improve cargo movement.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive. We want Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods, while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation,” Oyetola said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects deliver tangible improvements to Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
“Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about,” Oyetola added.