The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports in a move aimed at expanding Nigeria’s maritime capacity and reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, adding that the latest approval builds on the earlier decision to modernise the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The government said the expansion of the modernisation programme was part of efforts to establish a more balanced, efficient and globally competitive port system capable of supporting the country’s growing economy.
According to the statement, the initiative is being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with infrastructure development and economic diversification identified as key components of the administration’s economic strategy.
“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 statement said.
The government explained that the upgraded facilities at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar would improve cargo handling, shorten vessel turnaround times and strengthen connectivity between different regions and international markets.
It added that improved port operations would also make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective for businesses and other users of the nation’s maritime infrastructure.
The statement described the four ports as strategically important to Nigeria’s trade, industrial development and regional economic growth, stressing that the Federal Government was committed to equipping them to meet the demands of an expanding economy.
The latest approvals are part of a wider maritime infrastructure expansion programme that also includes government approval for the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.
The government said the strategy was not limited to rehabilitating existing facilities but also involved developing new deep-sea gateways to increase the country’s capacity to handle international trade.
“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,” it stated.
The Federal Government also outlined plans to develop an integrated transport network in which ports would be linked more efficiently with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transportation infrastructure.
It said the objective was to reduce the time and cost incurred by Nigerian businesses in moving goods while creating conditions capable of attracting fresh investments and generating employment.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy said it would collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the approved projects translate into measurable improvements in the sector.
The government maintained that Nigeria possesses the geographical advantage, market size and maritime resources required to emerge as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
“Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment required to turn that potential into sustainable economic value,” the statement added.
