The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports. This move is part of the government's efforts to develop a balanced, efficient, and competitive national port system. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, which is in addition to the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tincan Island ports in Lagos.
The latest approval is part of the administration's broader strategy to reposition Nigeria's maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment, and employment under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. Oyetola stated that modern, efficient, and competitive ports are critical to achieving these objectives, as they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment, and create jobs. The upgrade of these ports will also help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos by creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
The modernisation programme will complement the investments in Apapa and Tincan Island and improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, and enhance regional connectivity. Oyetola highlighted that improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports will make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective. These 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 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. Oyetola stressed that the government's approach is comprehensive, 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 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. Oyetola stated that the ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent, and globally competitive. The government wants Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is committed 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 reaffirmed that Nigeria has the geography, market, and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. The government's responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies, and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value.
The latest approval is part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, which includes the development of new deep seaports, such as the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State. The government is committed to unlocking the enormous economic potential of Nigeria's ports and transforming the maritime infrastructure to drive economic growth and development.
Key points
- The Federal Government has approved the upgrade of Onne, Delta, and Calabar ports to boost Nigeria's maritime sector and economic growth.
- The modernisation programme will improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, and enhance regional connectivity.
- The government aims to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo and create a globally competitive port system.
