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 strengthen the country’s position as a major logistics hub in Africa.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, describing it as a significant step towards developing a more balanced, efficient, and globally competitive national port system.
According to Oyetola, the latest approval builds on the Federal Government’s earlier decision to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos.
He said the expansion of the modernisation programme beyond Lagos was aimed at reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around the nation’s commercial capital while creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, infrastructure renewal and economic diversification remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda, with modern maritime infrastructure identified as an important driver of trade, industrial development, investment, and job creation.
The minister explained that upgraded facilities at the Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar Ports would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity, and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
He noted that the four ports occupy strategic positions in Nigeria’s trade and regional economic development, adding that the government was committed to equipping them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
The modernisation programme is also expected to complement ongoing investments in the Lagos ports and contribute to the development of a more decentralised national port network.
Oyetola further disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the development of several deep seaports, including the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo, and Bonny Deep Seaports.
He said the government’s approach was comprehensive, combining the modernisation of existing ports with the development of new deep seaports to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity.
According to him, the combined investments are expected to create stronger economic corridors, improve connectivity, and position Nigeria as a major maritime and logistics hub on the African continent.
The minister also stressed the importance of integrating maritime infrastructure with other modes of transportation, including roads, railways, and inland waterways.
He said the government’s vision was to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system that would enable the seamless movement of cargo across the country.
The initiative, he added, is intended to reduce the time and cost Nigerian businesses spend moving goods while creating an environment capable of attracting greater private-sector investment and supporting employment.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy will continue to collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to ensure that the approved projects deliver measurable improvements across Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Oyetola said Nigeria possesses the geographical advantage, market potential, and maritime resources required to become a leading maritime hub, stressing that the government’s responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies, and enabling environment needed to convert that potential into sustainable economic value.
