By Ademola Ade
The Federal Government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to decongest Lagos ports and expand Nigeria’s capacity to handle growing maritime trade.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Ajibola, saying the approval complements the earlier green light for the upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Oyetola said the initiative was aimed at improving port infrastructure, boosting operational efficiency and making Nigeria’s maritime industry more competitive.
“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.
According to him, efficient ports are critical to the Federal Government’s economic diversification strategy because they facilitate trade, support industries, attract investment and create jobs.
The minister said extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in the nation’s commercial capital by creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
He said improved infrastructure at the four ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround time 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,” he said.
The latest approval comes as the Federal Government pursues a wider expansion of the country’s maritime infrastructure, including plans for new deep seaports.
Among the projects are the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun, Ondo Deep Seaport and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
Oyetola said upgrading existing ports alongside developing new deep seaports would significantly increase Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports,” he said.
“This will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.”
The minister said the government was also working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system where ports would be effectively linked with roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure.
He said the objective was to make cargo movement more seamless while reducing the time and cost businesses spend transporting goods.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive,” Oyetola said.
He added that the ministry would work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects translate into tangible improvements.
“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,” he said.
The minister said the port modernisation programme was in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its efforts to make the marine and blue economy a major driver of trade, investment and job creation.
