Major Development: Four Nigerian Ports Set For Massive Upgrade Under Tinubu

The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to reduce the heavy concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the development in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Ajibola.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the latest approval complements the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, as the Federal Government seeks to establish a more balanced and efficient port system across the country.

Oyetola said the initiative was designed to improve port infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

He explained that extending the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would create additional gateways for international trade and help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in the Lagos corridor.

According to the minister, improved infrastructure and operations at the four ports are expected to enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.

“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 added that efficient and competitive ports were important to the government’s broader economic objectives because they facilitate trade, support industries, attract investment and create employment opportunities.

“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 minister said the port modernisation programme formed part of a wider plan to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and reposition the sector as a major contributor to economic growth, trade, investment and employment.

The Federal Government has also approved the development of several new deep seaports, including 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.

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.

“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 minister also outlined plans for an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports would work more effectively with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of cargo.

“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,” Oyetola said.

He further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects translate into improvements in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Oyetola maintained that Nigeria has significant geographical, market and maritime advantages that could support its emergence as a major maritime hub, adding that the government’s responsibility was to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment needed to convert that potential into sustainable economic value.