By Abubakar Ojima-ojo Yunusa
The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement posted on X.
Oyetola said the approval was part of efforts to build a balanced, efficient and globally competitive port system.
He said the initiative would complement the planned modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to him, expanding port investments beyond Lagos will reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around the nation’s commercial hub.
“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs,” Oyetola said.
He said the upgrade of the four ports would improve cargo handling and reduce vessel turnaround time.
The minister added that the projects would strengthen 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.
Oyetola said the approval formed part of the Federal Government’s broader expansion of the country’s maritime infrastructure.
He disclosed that approvals had also been given for the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports,” the minister said.
Oyetola said the combined investments would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and strengthen economic corridors across the country.
He said the government’s ultimate goal was to position Nigeria 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,” he said.
The minister said the reforms were also aimed at reducing the cost and time Nigerian businesses spend moving goods.
“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 added.
He said the ministry would continue to collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
Oyetola expressed the government’s determination to ensure that the approved projects translated into tangible improvements in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
