By Oscar Okhifo
The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity beyond Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval in a statement on Sunday, saying the initiative would complement the planned modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The statement was signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
The move is expected to provide additional gateways for international trade, ease pressure on Lagos ports and strengthen the role of other maritime corridors in the national economy.
For years, maritime stakeholders have called for the development of ports outside Lagos, arguing that the concentration of cargo operations in the state has placed significant pressure on its port infrastructure while limiting the economic potential of other facilities.
Oyetola said the latest approval was part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment and employment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports,” the minister said.
He said modern, efficient and competitive ports were critical to infrastructure renewal and economic diversification because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.
According to him, extending the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would complement investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island and help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around the Lagos ports.
Oyetola said improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity 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 minister said the approval was also part of a wider expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, which includes plans for new deep seaports such as the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun State, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo State and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
According to Oyetola, the combination of modernising existing ports and developing new deep seaports would expand 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. 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,” he said.
He added that the Federal Government’s vision was to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to facilitate the movement of cargo.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive. We want Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods, while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation,” Oyetola said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects translate into tangible improvements in the marine and blue economy.
“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. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about,” he added.