THE Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed this in a post on X, said the approval builds on the earlier plan to modernise and upgrade Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos State, as part of efforts to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system.
According to him: “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, infrastructure renewal and economic diversification remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.
“Extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos will complement ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island, while helping to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos and creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.”
The minister said upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at (Onne) Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
He added: “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.”
Oyetola said the approval was part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including Federal Government approvals for the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.
He stated further: “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.
“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.
“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 the ministry would continue to work closely with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects translate into tangible improvements across Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
