The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports. This move is part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria's maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment, and employment. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, stating that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The modernisation programme aims to develop a balanced, efficient, and competitive national port system. The approval for the Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports comes in addition to the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. This expansion will help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos by creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized that modern, efficient, and competitive ports are critical to achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. These objectives include facilitating trade, supporting industry, attracting investment, and creating jobs. The upgrade of these ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity, and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
The approval is also part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure. The Federal Government has approved the development of new deep seaports, including 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.
According to Oyetola, the combination of modernising existing ports and developing new deep seaports will significantly expand Nigeria's maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country. This comprehensive approach will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment, and position the country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
The Federal Government's vision is to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways, and other transport infrastructure work together to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to ensure that the various projects translate into tangible improvements in Nigeria's marine and blue economy.
Oyetola added that Nigeria has the geography, market, and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. The Ministry's responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies, and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value. This is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to build a port system that is efficient, transparent, and globally competitive.
Key points
- The Federal Government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports to develop a balanced, efficient, and competitive national port system.
- The upgrade will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity, and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
- The modernisation programme is part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, including the development of new deep seaports across the country.
