Oyetola says move will expand maritime capacity, ease pressure on Lagos ports and strengthen regional trade
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval on Sunday, describing it as an extension of the Federal Government’s ongoing port modernisation programme.
The minister said the approval builds on the earlier decision to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
“This approval builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, reaffirming our determination to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system,” Oyetola said.
According to the minister, modern and efficient ports are central to the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal and economic diversification agenda because of their role in trade, industrial development, investment and employment.
The planned upgrades are expected to increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce delays and improve connectivity between the ports and markets across the country.
Oyetola said the modernisation programme would include major infrastructure works such as reconstruction of quay walls, channel deepening, replacement of obsolete cargo-handling equipment and increased digitalisation of terminal and gate operations.
“Upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective,” he said.
The minister said the four ports occupy strategic positions in Nigeria’s trade and industrial network and require modern infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing economy.
The announcement also forms part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to increase Nigeria’s maritime capacity through the development of additional deep seaports, including Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny.
“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,” Oyetola said.
The Federal Government said the programme would require collaboration with state governments, terminal operators, private investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
Oyetola said the long-term objective was to establish an integrated transport network in which ports work efficiently with roads, railways and inland waterways to facilitate the movement of cargo.
“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 government also wants to reduce the time and cost businesses incur in moving goods while creating a more attractive environment for investment and employment.
The planned upgrades to the four ports would expand the number of modern maritime gateways available to importers and exporters outside Lagos, potentially strengthening trade and economic activity across Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions.
