FG Approves Upgrade Of Four Ports To Boost Maritime Capacity
The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive modernisation and upgrade programme for the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and enhance the sector’s contribution to economic growth.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Ajibola.
Oyetola said the latest approval complemented the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to him, the initiative is designed to improve port infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The minister said the Federal Government’s decision to extend the modernisation programme beyond Lagos was also aimed at creating a more balanced national port system and reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around the Lagos ports.
He noted that improved infrastructure at the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time, improve regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
Oyetola said the ports had strategic importance to Nigeria’s trade, industrial development and regional economy, stressing that the government was determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
He said the approval was part of the administration’s broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a major driver of trade, investment, employment and economic diversification.
“This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports,” Oyetola said.
The minister added that President Bola Tinubu had identified infrastructure renewal and economic diversification as key components of the nation’s economic growth strategy, noting that efficient and competitive ports were essential to facilitating trade, supporting industries, attracting investment and creating jobs.
Beyond the modernisation of existing ports, Oyetola said the Federal Government had also approved the development of several new deep seaports across the country.
They include the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun State, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo State and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
According to him, the combination of upgrading existing ports and developing new deep seaports would significantly expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across different regions.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are 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 our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
Oyetola further said the Federal Government was working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports would be effectively connected with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure.
He said such integration would facilitate the movement of cargo, reduce logistics costs and improve the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s supply chain.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive. We want Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods, while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the various maritime projects deliver tangible benefits to the economy.
Oyetola said Nigeria possessed the geographical advantage, market and maritime resources needed to become a leading maritime hub in Africa, adding that the government’s responsibility was to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment required to unlock the sector’s potential.
He said the ongoing initiatives were consistent with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
