The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced.
The latest approval is part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and build a more balanced, efficient and competitive national port system.
According to Oyetola, the approval complements the earlier modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, with the aim of reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos and creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
The Minister said the upgraded ports would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround time, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
He explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on infrastructure renewal, economic diversification, investment and job creation.
Oyetola also disclosed that the modernisation programme forms part of a wider expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, alongside plans for new deep seaports, including Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaports.
He said the combination of upgrading existing ports and developing new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, strengthen economic corridors and position the country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
“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,” Oyetola said.
The Minister further stressed the importance of an integrated transport system linking ports with roads, railways, inland waterways and other infrastructure to ensure the seamless movement of cargo across the country.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects deliver tangible economic benefits.
Oyetola said Nigeria possesses the geography, market and maritime resources required to become a leading maritime hub, adding that the Federal Government’s responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment needed to unlock the sector’s potential.