The federal government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure beyond Lagos.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, on Sunday.
The approval comes after the federal government had earlier approved the modernisation and upgrade of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Oyetola said the decision to extend the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos is aimed at creating a more balanced, efficient and competitive national port system.
According to him, the initiative is part of the administration’s broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment and employment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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.
“President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that infrastructure renewal and economic diversification are central to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Modern, efficient and competitive ports are critical to achieving these objectives because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.”
The minister said modernising the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would complement ongoing plans for Apapa and Tin Can Island ports while helping to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
He said the upgrades would provide additional gateways for international trade and strengthen the capacity of the affected ports to serve businesses and regional markets.
Oyetola added that improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at the ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and improve regional connectivity.
He said the projects would also make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective for businesses.
“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 minister further disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the development of several 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.
Oyetola said the combination of upgrading existing ports and developing new deep seaports would significantly expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create 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 said the federal government is also working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports would be connected with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure.
He said the objective is to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo and reduce the time and cost associated with transporting goods across the country.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive.
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“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 reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects translate into tangible improvements in 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,” he added.
