The Federal Government has approved plans to modernise and upgrade the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, extending a reform drive that earlier targeted the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the approval in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Ajibola. He said the move was designed to strengthen port infrastructure, boost operational efficiency and sharpen the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
According to the minister, the approvals form part of a broader federal strategy to position the maritime sector as a driver of economic growth, trade, investment and job creation, while building a more balanced national port system.
“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, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration views infrastructure renewal and economic diversification as central to national growth.
He explained that spreading the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would ease the pressure of cargo traffic concentrated in the state and open up additional gateways for international trade. Upgraded facilities at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar, he said, would improve cargo handling, cut 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,” the minister noted.
The port upgrades add to an already expanding pipeline of maritime infrastructure projects. The Federal Government has separately approved new deep seaports at Ibom (Akwa Ibom), Bakassi (Cross River), Agge (Bayelsa), Gateway (Ogun), Ondo and Bonny (Rivers) — an expansion Oyetola said would work alongside the port modernisation to build stronger economic corridors nationwide.
He described the government’s approach as comprehensive, combining upgrades to existing ports with new deep seaport development to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, draw investment and position the country as a major logistics hub in Africa.
Oyetola further outlined a vision for an integrated maritime and logistics network linking ports, roads, rail and inland waterways to streamline cargo movement nationwide, and pledged continued collaboration with state governments, terminal operators, investors and shipping companies to see the projects through.
“Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about,” Oyetola said.
READ ALSO:
- MC Oluomo Leads Tributes as Mushin Community Leader, Baba Alado, Dies at 83
- Newlywed cocaine trafficker arrested at Enugu airport with 72 wraps in stomach
- FG Approves Major Upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, Calabar Ports
- Blessing CEO’s Son Dies While She Remains Behind Bars in Kirikiri
- Ogun APC Crisis: Hunye Drags Adeola To Court Over State Of Origin Claims
