The Federal Government of Nigeria has given the green light for the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four major ports in the country. This move is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's maritime infrastructure and reposition the sector for economic growth. The ports covered by the latest approval are Onne Port in Rivers State, Rivers Port, Delta Port, and Calabar Port in Cross River State.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Ajibola. According to him, the programme is designed to strengthen port infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria's maritime industry. The approvals form part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of economic growth, trade, investment, and employment.
The latest approval complements the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. Oyetola said that extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports and help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos. Upgrading the ports in Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar would provide additional gateways for international trade and strengthen the movement of goods across different regions of the country.
The minister added that improved infrastructure and operational efficiency would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity, and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective. Oyetola said that efficient and competitive ports were essential to achieving the administration's economic objectives, including infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had identified infrastructure renewal and economic diversification as key components of the administration's economic agenda. Oyetola noted that the ports have strategic roles to play in Nigeria's trade, industrial, and regional development, and the government is determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
The Federal Government is also approving the development of new deep seaports across different parts of the country, including the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State. The combination of upgrading existing ports and developing new deep seaports would expand Nigeria's maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
Oyetola 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. The minister said that Nigeria has the geography, market, and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub, and the government's responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies, and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value.
Key points
- The Federal Government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of four major ports in Nigeria.
- The upgrade aims to strengthen port infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria's maritime industry.
- The projects are part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, including the development of new deep seaports across the country.
