The Federal Government of Nigeria has given the green light for the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four eastern ports, namely Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar. This move aims to boost efficiency, competitiveness, and trade facilitation in the maritime sector. The announcement was made by Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
This latest approval complements an earlier one for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. According to Oyetola, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria's maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth, trade, investment, industrialisation, and employment. The modernisation plans align with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.
The expansion of port modernisation beyond Lagos is expected to reduce cargo concentration at the Lagos ports by providing efficient alternative gateways for international trade. The upgraded infrastructure and modern equipment at the four eastern ports will increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time, and lower the cost of doing business. This, in turn, is anticipated to strengthen regional connectivity and national supply chains.
Improved port efficiency will make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective. The modernisation plans are part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, which includes plans for six new deep seaports across the country. These new deep seaports include Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo, and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers.
The combination of modernising existing ports with the development of new deep seaports is expected to significantly expand Nigeria's maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country. Oyetola emphasised that the government is working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system, where ports, roads, rail, and inland waterways work together to facilitate the movement of cargo.
The government's objective is to build an efficient, transparent, and globally competitive port system that reduces the cost and time of moving goods across international borders and to inland destinations. To achieve this, the ministry is committed to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to translate the projects into sustainable economic growth and job creation.
The modernisation of the four eastern ports and the development of new deep seaports are expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's economy and maritime sector. The projects will not only create jobs but also increase the country's maritime capacity, making it more competitive globally. The Federal Government's efforts to reposition the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth are ongoing, with a focus on infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.
Key points
- The Federal Government has approved the modernisation of four eastern ports to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
- The modernisation plans align with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritising infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.
- The projects aim to create stronger economic corridors across the country and increase Nigeria's maritime capacity.
