
Oyetola’s team arrives Bayelsa to finalise talks on $3bn Agge deep seaport project
By Seun Ibiyemi
As part of efforts to enhance maritime infrastructure and alleviate congestion at the nation’s ports, plans are progressing to finalise the establishment and launch of a deep sea port in Agge, located in the Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa State.
The $3 billion project is a collaborative Public Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Bayelsa State government, the federal government, and a significant private investor.
The proposed deep seaport is expected to generate new jobs, boost socioeconomic activities in the region, attract greater investment, and position Bayelsa as a key transport hub for the northern and southeastern regions of Nigeria.
Sources from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy have confirmed that a Project Delivery Team from the Ministry is currently in Bayelsa to work in close partnership with the state government to fine-tune plans for the commencement of the project.
In line with his goal of improving port infrastructure, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, affirmed that the Ministry is committed to enhancing port facilities and connectivity, as well as facilitating the ongoing development of critical maritime infrastructure across the country.
According to a source familiar with the project, the Minister has given the Project Delivery Team a mandate to accelerate the start of the Agge deep seaport development.
Oyetola expressed confidence that the project would help address the existing maritime infrastructure gap in Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja last year, the Bayelsa State Governor requested the Federal Government’s support for the development of the deep seaport, aiming to fully realise the state’s blue economy potential.
The Minister recognised the significant blue economy opportunities in Bayelsa and confirmed that the federal government would pursue the PPP model to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that the Ministry is actively working to attract increased private sector investments and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to bolster the country’s maritime infrastructure, ultimately strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in the global maritime industry.
Once completed, the Agge deep seaport is expected to draw multi-billion-naira investments into the state, which is already considered a major maritime hub in the nation.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the PPP model will be explored for the development of other proposed deep seaport projects across the country.