Federal Govt Expands Port Modernisation Programme to Onne, Rivers, Delta, Calabar

The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to build a more efficient and globally competitive maritime system.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development, saying the approval builds on the earlier modernisation plan for the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

Oyetola said the expansion of the programme beyond Lagos was aimed at reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around the nation’s commercial capital while creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.

He said modern ports were critical to Nigeria’s economic development because they facilitate trade, support industries, attract investment and create employment opportunities.

According to him, upgrading the four ports would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.

The minister said the Federal Government was pursuing a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including approvals for 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,” Oyetola said.

He added that the combined investments would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors and strengthen the country’s position as a maritime and logistics hub in Africa.

Oyetola said the government’s vision was to develop an integrated maritime and logistics system where ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to facilitate the movement of cargo.

He said the ministry would continue working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects produce tangible improvements in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.