FG Approves Upgrade Of Onne, Rivers, Delta, Calabar Ports

The federal government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure beyond Lagos.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a post on X, noting that the approval builds on the government’s earlier plan to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

According to the minister, the latest approval is aimed at developing a more balanced, efficient and globally competitive port system.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, infrastructure renewal and economic diversification remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister said.

He explained that efficient port infrastructure was essential to the government’s economic objectives because of its role in facilitating trade, supporting industries and attracting investments.

“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.

“Extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos will complement ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island, while helping to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos and creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.”

Oyetola said the planned upgrades at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would improve cargo handling and operational efficiency, while reducing the time vessels spend at the ports.

IHe added that the projects would also strengthen regional connectivity and 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,” Oyetola added.

The minister said the approval formed part of a wider government strategy to expand the country’s maritime infrastructure.

He noted that the federal government had also approved the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.

“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports,” he said.

Oyetola said the combination of existing port upgrades and new deep seaport projects would increase Nigeria’s maritime capacity and strengthen economic connections across the country.

“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.

“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.

“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 the ministry would continue to collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver tangible improvements to Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.