The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to improve port efficiency, competitiveness and trade facilitation.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, in Lagos.
Oyetola said the approval complements the earlier approval for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to the minister, the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment, industrialisation and employment.
He said expanding port modernisation beyond Lagos would reduce cargo concentration at Lagos ports by providing more efficient alternative gateways for international trade.
Oyetola said modern infrastructure and equipment at the four ports would increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time and lower the cost of doing business.
He added that improved port efficiency would strengthen regional connectivity and national supply chains while making the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
FG Plans Six New Deep Seaports
The minister said the latest approval was part of the government’s wider plan to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including the development of six new deep seaports across the country.
The proposed deep seaports are 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 combining the modernisation of existing ports with the development of new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
He said the Federal Government was also working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, railways and inland waterways would work together to facilitate the movement of cargo.
The minister said the government’s objective was to establish an efficient, transparent and globally competitive port system capable of reducing the cost and time of moving goods across international borders and to inland destinations.
Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects contribute to sustainable economic growth and job creation.
