The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand the country’s maritime infrastructure and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval on Sunday, saying it builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
“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,” Oyetola said.
The minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal and economic diversification programme, with efficient ports expected to play a central role in improving trade and industrial activity.
“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs,” he stated.
According to Oyetola, extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement existing investments while providing additional gateways for international trade and reducing pressure on ports around the country’s commercial centre.
He said improvements planned for the affected ports would strengthen cargo-handling capacity, reduce delays and improve connectivity between the ports and other parts of the country.
“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,” Oyetola said.
The broader modernisation programme is expected to involve major infrastructure improvements, including reconstruction of quay walls, channel deepening, replacement of obsolete cargo-handling equipment and further digitalisation of terminal and gate operations.
Oyetola said the four ports have strategic roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development and require infrastructure capable of responding to the demands of a growing economy.
The minister also linked the approval to the Federal Government’s broader plan to expand the country’s maritime capacity through the development of new deep seaports, including Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny.
“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,” he said.
Oyetola said the ministry would work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects translate into measurable improvements across the marine and blue economy.
He said the long-term objective was to establish a transportation network in which the country’s ports function effectively alongside roads, railways and inland waterways.
“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.
The minister added that the government wants to reduce the time and resources businesses spend transporting goods while improving conditions for investment and employment.
