The Nigerian federal government has given the green light for the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four key ports: Onne in Rivers State, and Delta, Calabar, and another in Rivers. This move is part of a broader effort to expand the country's maritime infrastructure beyond the Lagos area. The upgrade is expected to enhance the ports' efficiency and global competitiveness.
According to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the approval builds on the government's earlier plan to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. The minister stated that the latest approval aims to develop a more balanced, efficient, and globally competitive port system. This development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.
Efficient port infrastructure is crucial to the government's economic objectives, as it facilitates trade, supports industries, and attracts investments. The minister emphasized that modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision, enabling trade, supporting industry, attracting investment, and creating jobs. By extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos, the government aims to reduce cargo traffic congestion around the city and create additional gateways for international trade.
The planned upgrades at Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports will improve cargo handling and operational efficiency, reducing the time vessels spend at the ports. The projects are also expected to strengthen regional connectivity, making the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective. These ports play strategic roles 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 approval is part of a wider government strategy to expand the country's maritime infrastructure. In addition to the port upgrades, the federal government has also approved the development of several deep seaports, including Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo, and Bonny. This comprehensive approach involves modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports.
The combination of existing port upgrades and new deep seaport projects is expected to increase Nigeria's maritime capacity and strengthen economic connections across the country. These investments will expand Nigeria's maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors, and position the country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa. The government envisions an integrated maritime and logistics system, enabling the seamless movement of cargo.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy will collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver tangible improvements to Nigeria's marine and blue economy. The goal is to create an environment that encourages investment, supports job creation, and enables Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has approved the upgrade of four ports to expand maritime infrastructure beyond Lagos.
- The upgrade aims to develop a more balanced, efficient, and globally competitive port system.
- The projects are expected to increase Nigeria's maritime capacity and strengthen economic connections across the country.
