The Federal Government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of four major ports One Port in Rivers State, Rivers Port, Delta Port and Calabar Port as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this, saying the approval was part of the government’s broader plan to reposition the maritime sector and strengthen its contribution to the Nigerian economy.
Oyetola explained that the latest approval would complement the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to him, the programme is designed to strengthen port infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and make Nigeria’s maritime industry more competitive.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Ajibola, the minister said the government was working to reposition the maritime sector as an important driver of economic growth, trade, investment and employment.
He added that upgrading ports outside Lagos would help create a more balanced national port system and reduce the heavy concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
Oyetola said improved infrastructure and greater efficiency at the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce the time vessels spend at the ports and improve regional connectivity.
He also said the improvements would make the movement of goods more predictable and reduce costs for businesses.
“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.
The minister explained that efficient and competitive ports were important to trade, industrial development, investment and job creation.
He said the government was also expanding Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure through the development of new deep seaports.
Among the projects mentioned are 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 increase Nigeria’s capacity to handle growing trade volumes and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
He added that the government was working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system where ports would be connected with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure.
According to him, the goal is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and competitive internationally, while reducing the time and cost Nigerian businesses spend moving goods.
The minister further said the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would continue to work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects produce practical improvements in the sector.
He said Nigeria had the geographical position, market and maritime resources needed to develop into a major maritime hub, adding that the government was focused on providing the infrastructure and policies required to achieve that goal.
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