The Federal Government has approved the modernization of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports as part of efforts to decentralize cargo traffic and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, according to Adegboyega Oyetola, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The initiative, announced through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, complements prior upgrades to Lagos ports like Apapa and Tin Can Island. Oyetola emphasized that expanding the program beyond Lagos aims to create a
The minister highlighted that the upgrades would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, and enhance regional connectivity, positioning the ports as critical gateways for international trade. This aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to leverage the maritime sector for economic growth, trade, and job creation. Oyetola stated, “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.”
The approval is part of a broader maritime expansion, including the development of six new deep seaports: Ibom (Akwa Ibom), Bakassi (Cross River), Agge (Bayelsa), Gateway (Ogun), Ondo, and Bonny (Rivers). Oyetola described the dual approach of modernizing existing facilities and building new infrastructure as essential to handling rising trade volumes and attracting investment. “Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. This will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment, and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
The ministry also outlined plans for an integrated maritime logistics system, linking ports with roads, railways, and inland waterways to streamline cargo movement. Oyetola reiterated the government’s commitment to collaboration with stakeholders, stating, “Nigeria has the geography, market, and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies, and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value.”