The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and develop a more balanced national port system.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Sunday in a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying the approval builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos.
Oyetola said extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement ongoing investments in the two Lagos ports, while helping to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around the Lagos port complex and creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
According to him, the upgraded ports are expected to enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.”
The minister said Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports have strategic roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development, adding that the Federal Government is determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
He linked the port modernisation programme to the broader infrastructure renewal and economic diversification objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Oyetola also disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaports, describing the approach as a combination of modernising existing ports and facilitating new deep seaport development.
“Together, these investments will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.”
He said the government’s broader vision is to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.
The minister added that the objective is to reduce the time and resources Nigerian businesses spend moving goods, while creating an environment capable of attracting investment and supporting job creation.
He said the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would continue to work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects deliver tangible improvements across Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
“Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment required to turn that potential into sustainable economic value.”
