The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation of four existing ports and the development of six new deep seaports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, announced the approvals on Sunday, saying the projects would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
The ports approved for modernisation are Onne and Rivers ports in Rivers State, Delta Port in Delta State and Calabar Port in Cross River State.
The six proposed deep seaports are Ibom in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi in Cross River, Agge in Bayelsa, Gateway in Ogun, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State. Oyetola said the programme builds on the ongoing modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to him, extending port upgrades beyond Lagos will help distribute cargo traffic more efficiently while improving connectivity and supporting economic activity across different regions. “I am pleased to announce that the Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports,” Oyetola said.
He said the upgrades are expected to improve cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround times and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
The minister added that the projects would support trade, industrial activity and regional economic development.
The government’s plan goes beyond the expansion of port infrastructure, with Oyetola stressing the need for an integrated transport network linking seaports with roads, railways, inland waterways and other logistics infrastructure.
He said such integration would reduce the time and cost businesses incur moving cargo across the country while improving the environment for investment and job creation.
The ministry is expected to work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to drive the projects.
