The Federal Government of Nigeria has given the green light for the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four key ports: Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand Nigeria's maritime infrastructure and strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, highlighting its significance in the country's economic growth and development.
This latest approval complements the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. According to Dr. Oyetola, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure renewal and economic diversification. The modernisation of these ports is expected to facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment, and create jobs, ultimately driving economic growth.
The upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, and improve regional connectivity. This, in turn, will make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective. Dr. Oyetola emphasised the strategic importance of these ports in Nigeria's trade, industrial, and regional development, assuring that they will be equipped to meet the demands of a growing economy.
The Federal Government's plan to upgrade existing ports and develop new deep seaports across the country is part of a wider expansion of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure. Some of the new deep seaports include the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State. This comprehensive approach aims to expand Nigeria's maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
Dr. Oyetola stated that the combination of upgrading existing ports and developing new deep seaports 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 also highlighted the government's ambition to build an integrated maritime and logistics system, where ports, roads, rail, inland waterways, and other transport infrastructure operate together seamlessly.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to collaborating with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these projects. The goal is to create a port system that is efficient, transparent, and globally competitive, ultimately supporting job creation and economic growth.
With the right infrastructure, policies, and enabling environment, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading maritime hub, according to Dr. Oyetola. The Renewed Hope Agenda aims to turn this potential into sustainable economic value, and the upgrade of these four ports is a significant step towards achieving this objective.
Key points
- The Federal Government has approved the upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports to boost maritime infrastructure and trade.
- The modernisation programme aims to reduce cargo traffic concentration around Lagos by creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
- The upgrade will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, and improve regional connectivity.
