The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive rehabilitation and modernisation of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
The latest approval follows an earlier decision by the Federal Government to modernise the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Oyetola said the expansion of the modernisation programme beyond Lagos was aimed at creating a more balanced and efficient port network capable of supporting trade, investment and economic activity across different parts of the country.
According to the minister, the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to strengthen the maritime sector and increase its contribution to economic growth and job creation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said upgrading the four ports would help expand Nigeria’s capacity to handle cargo while reducing the heavy concentration of maritime activities around Lagos.
Oyetola noted that improved facilities at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling operations, shorten vessel turnaround times and improve connections between ports and other parts of the country.
He added that more efficient port infrastructure would make the movement of goods more predictable and reduce the cost associated with transporting cargo.
The minister described the four ports as strategically important to Nigeria’s trade, industrial development and regional economic activities, saying their modernisation would enable them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
Oyetola also said the government’s maritime strategy goes beyond upgrading existing facilities, as it is simultaneously supporting the development of new deep seaports.
He explained that the combination of modernised conventional ports and new deep seaports would increase the country’s ability to accommodate rising trade volumes and attract investment into the maritime and logistics sectors.
The minister said the government was working towards an integrated transport system in which ports are effectively connected to roads, railways, inland waterways and other infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods.
He added that improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the port system would help Nigerian businesses reduce the time and resources spent moving cargo while creating opportunities for investment and employment.
Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s intention to work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders to ensure that the various infrastructure projects deliver measurable improvements.
He said Nigeria’s geographical position, large market and maritime resources provide opportunities for the country to strengthen its position as a major maritime and logistics centre in Africa.
The minister maintained that providing the required infrastructure, policies and business environment would be essential to converting those opportunities into sustainable economic benefits.
The latest port upgrade approvals form part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
Other deep-sea port projects that have received Federal Government approval include 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 in Ondo State and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
