The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four major ports in the country as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a post on X, saying the approval covers the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.
He said the decision builds on the government’s earlier plan to modernise the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, with the broader objective of developing a more balanced and efficient port system across the country.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, infrastructure renewal and economic diversification remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister said.
“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.
“Extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos will complement ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island, while helping to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos and creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.”
Oyetola said the upgrades would improve the ability of the affected ports to handle cargo while making the movement of goods more efficient.
‘UPGRADED PORTS WILL ENHANCE CARGO HANDLING’
According to the minister, improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at the four ports would reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make cargo movement more predictable and cost-effective.
“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,” Oyetola added.
He explained that the approval forms part of a wider government plan to expand the country’s maritime infrastructure.
According to him, the Federal Government has also approved the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports,” he said.
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“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.
“Our vision is an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to enable the seamless movement of cargo.
“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 his ministry would continue engaging state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the approved projects result in improvements across the country’s marine and blue economy.