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 capacity and reduce the heavy concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, describing it as part of the government’s broader plan to build a more balanced, efficient and competitive port system across the country.
The latest approval follows the Federal Government’s earlier decision to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to the minister, expanding the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos will provide additional gateways for international trade while easing pressure on the country’s busiest maritime corridor.
Government Targets Faster Cargo Movement
Oyetola said the upgraded facilities at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports are expected to improve cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity.
He added that more efficient port operations would make the movement of goods more predictable and help reduce the time and resources Nigerian businesses spend transporting cargo.
The minister said the four ports play important roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial activities and regional economic development, stressing the need to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
The Federal Government also plans to work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects produce measurable improvements in the country’s marine and blue economy.
FG Expands Maritime Infrastructure Programme
The port upgrades form part of a wider Federal Government strategy to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
In addition to modernising existing facilities, the government has approved the development of several deep seaports, including 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 and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
The government’s approach combines the rehabilitation and modernisation of existing ports with the development of new deep-sea facilities, with the stated objective of increasing Nigeria’s overall maritime capacity and creating stronger trade and logistics corridors.
Focus on Reducing Logistics Costs
The Federal Government has also linked the port modernisation programme to efforts to lower logistics costs and improve the business environment.
The minister said the government’s broader vision is to establish an integrated transport and logistics network in which ports work efficiently with roads, railways, inland waterways and other infrastructure to facilitate the movement of cargo.
The initiative is expected to provide businesses with more efficient alternatives for moving goods while supporting trade, investment and employment.
The latest approval therefore expands the government’s ongoing port renewal programme beyond Lagos and places greater emphasis on developing maritime gateways across different regions of Nigeria.
