The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive modernisation and upgrade plan for the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of its efforts to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, saying it followed the earlier green light given for the modernisation and upgrade of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Ajibola, Oyetola said the initiative was designed to strengthen port infrastructure, boost operational efficiency and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
According to him, the approvals are part of the Federal Government’s wider plan to make the maritime sector a key contributor to economic growth, trade, investment and job creation, while promoting a more balanced port system across the country.
Oyetola said: “This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made it clear that infrastructure renewal and economic diversification are central to the growth of the economy. Efficient and competitive ports are critical to achieving these objectives because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.”
The minister explained that expanding the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports while easing the heavy concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos by providing more gateways for international trade.
He noted that upgrading infrastructure and improving operations at the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would strengthen cargo handling, shorten vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity and make the transportation of goods more predictable and affordable.
“These ports have strategic roles to play in our trade, industrial and regional development, and we are determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy,” he said.
The approval is also part of the government’s broader effort to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. The Federal Government has already approved the development of new deep seaports, including 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.
Oyetola said combining the upgrade of existing ports with the development of new deep seaports would increase Nigeria’s maritime capacity and establish stronger economic corridors across the country.
“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.
The minister further stated that the Federal Government’s goal was to develop an integrated maritime and logistics network where ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure would operate together to improve cargo movement.
“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,” Oyetola said.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects deliver meaningful improvements to 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 to turn that potential into sustainable economic value. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about,” Oyetola added.