The Federal Government of Nigeria has given the green light for the comprehensive upgrade of four eastern ports, namely Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar. This move aims to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and trade facilitation in the country's maritime sector. The approval was announced by Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications.
According to Oyetola, the approval complements an earlier approval for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. This initiative is part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to reposition Nigeria's maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth, trade, investment, industrialisation, and employment. The modernisation of these ports is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure renewal and economic diversification. By expanding port modernisation beyond Lagos, the government aims to reduce cargo concentration at the Lagos ports by providing efficient alternative gateways for international trade. This move is expected to boost economic activity in the eastern regions of the country.
The upgraded infrastructure and modern equipment at the four ports are expected to increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time, and lower the cost of doing business. Improved port efficiency will strengthen regional connectivity and national supply chains while making the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective. This, in turn, will benefit businesses and consumers alike.
The latest approval is part of the wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, including 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 government is working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, and inland waterways will work together to facilitate the movement of cargo. The objective is to build an efficient, transparent, and globally competitive port system that will reduce the cost and time of moving goods across international borders and to inland destinations.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to translate these projects into sustainable economic growth and job creation. The modernisation of the four eastern ports is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and create new opportunities for businesses and investors.
Key points
- The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and trade facilitation.
- The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.
- The modernisation of the four eastern ports is part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, including plans for six new deep seaports across the country.
