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 infrastructure and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday.
Oyetola said the approval followed an earlier decision to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, describing the move as part of efforts to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive port system.
“This approval builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, reaffirming our determination to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system,” he said.
The minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.
“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs,” Oyetola said.
He explained that extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement ongoing investments in the state while easing the concentration of cargo traffic around the country’s commercial hub and creating additional gateways for international trade.
According to him, the upgrades are expected to improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity.
“Upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective,” he said.
Oyetola said the four ports occupy strategic positions in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development, adding that the government was committed to upgrading them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
The minister said the latest approval forms part of a broader plan to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including the proposed development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. Together, these investments will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” Oyetola said.
He added that the ministry would collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver measurable benefits to the marine and blue economy.
“Our vision is an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to enable the seamless movement of cargo,” he said.
Oyetola said the government’s objective was to reduce the time and cost businesses incur in moving goods while creating an environment that attracts investment and supports job creation.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the approved projects translate into tangible economic benefits.
