FG Secures £746m Facility To Modernise Apapa, Tin-Can Ports
The Federal Government has secured a £746 million facility to rehabilitate and modernise the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports as part of efforts to improve port efficiency, enhance cargo handling and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
Chairman of the Ports Operations and Security Committee of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday while reviewing port operations and security during the second quarter of 2026.
Ebubeogu said the facility would support the transformation of the two major ports into green and smart port facilities through automation, digital technologies and improved infrastructure.
According to him, the modernisation programme is expected to provide better cargo-handling equipment, reduce vessel turnaround and cargo dwell times, improve environmental sustainability and increase revenue generated from port operations.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government had awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of the Escravos breakwaters and Terminals A and C, while the Federal Executive Council had approved a channel management consortium to maintain and deepen channels serving Delta ports.
Ebubeogu said Rivers Port Terminal 1, operated by PTOL, was also undergoing improvements, with berths one to three being upgraded to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
He added that Calabar Port would benefit from increased maintenance dredging, while rehabilitation efforts at McKaiva and Malero jetties would support port operations and facilitate trade along the eastern corridor.
Inland Dry Ports and Rail Infrastructure
The NPCC chairman explained that the administration of inland dry ports had been redesigned, with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) assuming responsibility for their administration as landlord, in line with its statutory mandate.
He further stated that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council had transitioned into the Nigerian Port Economy Regulatory Agency, which would be responsible for regulating tariffs, charges and rates imposed by shipping companies and terminal operators.
On port expansion, Ebubeogu said site clearing had commenced at the Snake Island concession area as part of efforts to increase port capacity, attract investment and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
