FG Approves Upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports
Move expected to ease cargo pressure on Lagos, improve trade and create jobs
Scene at Apapa Port
Nigeria’s maritime trade is set for a major boost as the Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, in a move expected to provide businesses with more efficient gateways for moving goods into and out of the country.
Oyetola
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, saying it forms part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and make the sector a stronger contributor to economic growth, trade, investment and employment.
For importers, exporters, manufacturers and other businesses that depend on the movement of cargo, the proposed upgrades could mean more options beyond the major ports in Lagos, potentially reducing congestion and improving the predictability of cargo movement.
The approval comes on the heels of an earlier Federal Government decision to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to Oyetola, extending the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos is intended to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around the Lagos ports by creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
“This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports,” Oyetola said.
He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure renewal and economic diversification at the centre of efforts to strengthen the economy.
The Minister said efficient ports are particularly important because they facilitate trade, support industries, attract investment and create employment opportunities.
More Efficient Cargo Movement
Oyetola said upgrading the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity.
For businesses, he said, better port infrastructure should 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.
The development is also expected to strengthen economic activity around the ports, with improved maritime infrastructure potentially supporting businesses involved in shipping, logistics, haulage, warehousing, manufacturing and other related services.
New Deep Seaports
The latest approval forms part of a wider expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
The Federal Government has also approved the development of several new deep seaports, including the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
Oyetola said the combination of modernising existing ports and developing new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports,” he said.
According to him, the strategy is designed to give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment and strengthen the country’s position as a maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
Linking Ports to Roads, Rail and Inland Waterways
Beyond the ports themselves, the Federal Government is also looking at how cargo can move efficiently after leaving the terminals.
Oyetola said the government’s vision is to develop an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive. We want Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods, while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation,” he said.
He added that the Ministry would continue to work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the various projects translate into tangible improvements in the marine and blue economy.
“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,” Oyetola said.
If successfully implemented, the modernisation programme could give businesses in different parts of the country greater access to maritime gateways while helping Nigeria build a more distributed and interconnected port system.
Photo suggestion: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, during an inspection or stakeholder engagement at a Nigerian seaport.
