The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four major ports: Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar. This move aims to expand Nigeria's maritime capacity and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos. The approval was announced by Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as part of the government's efforts to develop a more balanced, efficient, and competitive national port system.
The upgrade of these ports complements an earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. According to Oyetola, this expansion is part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of economic growth, trade, investment, and employment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The initiative aims to create additional efficient gateways for international trade and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
The modernisation programme will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity, and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective. Oyetola stated that 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. Improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at these ports will have a positive impact on the country's economy.
The latest approval is part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, which includes government approvals for the development of new deep seaports. Some of the approved projects include the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, and Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State. The combination of upgrading existing ports and developing new deep seaports will expand Nigeria's maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
Oyetola stated 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 minister emphasised that the government is working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system.
The integrated system will ensure that ports, roads, railways, inland waterways, and other transport infrastructure operate together to facilitate the movement of cargo. 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 goal is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent, and globally competitive.
Oyetola concluded 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. The upgrade of the four ports and the development of new deep seaports will have a positive impact on Nigeria's economy and maritime industry.
Key points
- The Federal Government has approved the upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports to expand Nigeria's maritime capacity and reduce Lagos cargo traffic.
- The upgrade is part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, including the development of new deep seaports.
- The modernisation programme aims to create a more balanced, efficient, and competitive national port system.
