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 capacity, decongest Lagos and strengthen the country’s trade infrastructure.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the approval would complement the previously approved modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Oyetola said the move was designed to create a more balanced and efficient national port system capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing economy and positioning the country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
According to him, extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around the nation’s commercial capital while providing additional efficient gateways for international trade.
He said the upgraded ports would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods 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,” the minister said.
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Oyetola said the port modernisation programme formed part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to renew critical infrastructure and diversify the economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the government had also approved the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaports, signalling an expansion of the country’s maritime infrastructure beyond the existing port network.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports,” he said.
The minister said the combined investments in existing and new ports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors while supporting investment and job creation.
He stressed that the government’s long-term vision was to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure operate together to facilitate seamless cargo movement.
“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 assured that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would continue to collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the port projects deliver tangible improvements to the economy.
Oyetola said Nigeria possessed the geography, market and maritime resources required to become a leading maritime hub, adding that the government’s responsibility was to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment needed to convert the country’s maritime potential into sustainable economic value.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X