The Federal Government has approved the modernisation of four eastern ports, including Onne and Rivers ports, to boost trade, improve cargo handling and reduce pressure on Lagos ports.
LAGOS — The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four eastern ports in Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar to improve operational efficiency, strengthen trade and expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, and made available on Sunday in Lagos.
The approval complements the earlier decision to modernise Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos as part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to improve Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
Oyetola said the initiative was aimed at repositioning the maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment, industrialisation and employment.
He added that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.
According to the minister, extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would reduce cargo concentration at the Lagos ports by providing additional efficient gateways for international trade.
He said the upgraded infrastructure and modern equipment would increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time and lower the cost of doing business.
Oyetola added that improved port operations would strengthen regional connectivity, enhance national supply chains and make cargo movement more predictable and cost-effective.
The minister said the latest approval formed part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, which also includes plans for six new deep seaports across the country.
The proposed projects are 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.
He said combining the modernisation of existing ports with the development of new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and establish stronger economic corridors across the country.
Oyetola further explained that the government was working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, railways and inland waterways would operate together to facilitate the efficient movement of goods.
He said the government’s objective was to develop an efficient, transparent and globally competitive port system that would reduce the time and cost of transporting goods across international borders and to inland destinations.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to collaborating with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects deliver sustainable economic growth and create employment opportunities.
The approval marks a further step in the Federal Government’s plans to expand port infrastructure beyond Lagos, although the announcement did not specify implementation timelines or project costs.
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