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 and improve the efficiency of cargo movement.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval on Sunday, saying the initiative would complement the government’s earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to the minister, extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos is intended to help develop a more balanced and competitive national port system while reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around the Lagos axis.
The government said improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at the four ports are expected to enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity.
The upgrades are also expected to make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective, potentially supporting trade and industrial activity in the regions served by the ports.
The approval places Calabar Port among the facilities targeted for modernisation, while Onne and Rivers ports in Rivers State and Delta Port in Delta State will also form part of the expansion programme.
The Federal Government has also approved the development of several proposed deep seaports, including the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi in Cross River, Agge in Bayelsa, Gateway in Ogun, Ondo and Bonny in Rivers State.
The ministry said the broader approach is aimed at creating an integrated maritime and logistics network capable of supporting trade, investment and employment.
Oyetola said the government would continue working with state governments, terminal operators, investors and shipping companies to advance the projects and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The latest approval expands the federal government’s current port modernisation programme beyond Lagos and places greater emphasis on other maritime gateways across the country.
