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.

Oyetola disclosed this in a statement following discussions with the Turkish investors, who he said have extensive experience in fisheries and aquaculture in Turkey and are interested in bringing their expertise and investment capacity to Nigeria.

According to the minister, the Federal Government is open to investors capable of providing capital, technology, expertise and modern value-chain solutions to the fisheries sector.

He, however, stressed that such investments must complement and empower local artisanal fish producers rather than undermine their livelihoods.

Oyetola said the government was committed to creating an investment-friendly environment capable of attracting credible local and international investors while ensuring that investments in the sector remain inclusive and sustainable.

He identified inadequate infrastructure, limited access to modern fishing technology, processing and storage constraints, weak cold-chain systems and limited market access as some of the challenges affecting the fisheries value chain.

The minister said the challenges also present opportunities for investment and could be addressed through modern technology and improved infrastructure to increase productivity and enhance the livelihoods of local fish producers.

As part of the engagement, the CRD Impex team, accompanied by officials of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, visited fisheries and aquaculture facilities in different parts of the country to gain first-hand knowledge of Nigeria’s fisheries value chain.

Oyetola said the government would continue to work with responsible investors and local stakeholders to transform challenges in the sector into investment opportunities.

He added that the goal was to build a modern, productive and sustainable fisheries sector capable of creating value and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians.

Oyetola said the directive was part of ongoing reforms aimed at creating a clear separation between port economic regulation, development and operations.

He also announced the immediate constitution of a ministerial committee to oversee the transition of the NSC into the newly established Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the NPERA Act, 2026.

According to the minister, the new law marks a major reform in Nigeria’s port sector, with NPERA expected to take over the role of substantive economic regulator previously performed by the NSC on an interim basis since 2014.

Under the new framework, NPERA will regulate tariffs and charges, promote competition, oversee licensing and service standards, resolve commercial disputes and protect port users.

Oyetola said the reforms would eliminate overlapping responsibilities among agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy while improving transparency and creating a more predictable environment for investors, shipping companies, terminal operators and other stakeholders.

He added that transferring the IDP functions to the NPA would help strengthen inland dry ports by integrating them more effectively into Nigeria’s wider port infrastructure and operational network.

“The emergence of NPERA marks a new chapter in the governance of Nigeria’s port sector,” Oyetola said, assuring stakeholders of a seamless transition towards a more efficient, integrated and competitive port system.

The initiative will also establish larger “mother bins” at jetties where waste collected from boats can be offloaded, with technology to be deployed across waterfronts, landing ports and jetties.

Managing Director of Parts Central Limited, Henry Onifade, said the system was part of efforts to create a more organised approach to collecting and disposing of waste on the waterways.

The programme is expected to cover boats, jetties, landing ports and waterfront facilities, with the broader goals of improving navigation, protecting aquatic life, creating jobs and supporting Nigeria’s blue economy.

NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Sarat Braimah, said the success of the initiative would require the involvement of those who use and operate around the waterways.

She urged waterfront owners to provide appropriate disposal facilities and companies operating along the waterways to ensure their waste was properly treated and disposed of.

Onifade also appealed to stakeholders to support the cleanup teams, stressing that maintaining the waterways could not be left to one organisation.

Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, said the condition of the aquatic environment had direct consequences for fishing, navigation and the wider waterfront economy.

He also drew attention to illegal dredging, warning that the activity could disrupt the underwater environment, threaten aquatic life and force fishermen to travel farther to find fish.

The environmental concerns were echoed by Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Maritime Police Command, Udu Ogechi, who described waterways protection as both an environmental and security responsibility.

She warned that polluted and unsafe waterways could contribute to boat accidents, endanger aquatic life and increase the risk of loss of lives.

For the tourism industry, cleaner waterways were described as necessary for developing water-based tourism. President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Operators, Bolaji Mustapha, recalled an incident in which a tourist boat carrying foreign visitors became stuck on the waterways.

She said such experiences could affect how international visitors view Nigeria and urged the organisers to increase awareness among waterfront communities and waterway operators.

The stakeholders said the 10-year renewable initiative would encourage users of Lagos waterways to take greater responsibility for keeping the aquatic environment clean and safe.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the development as a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s progress in strengthening maritime security and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code across its ports and maritime facilities.

Oyetola commended government agencies and industry stakeholders for their sustained collaboration, saying the achievement would further enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and improve the country’s standing in the global maritime economy.

According to the minister, the lifting of the restriction is expected to improve vessel turnaround time and schedule reliability, while reducing operational costs for stakeholders in the maritime sector.

He said the development would also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.

Gov Ododo gave the assurance in Government House Lokoja while playing host to the chairman board of Directors  Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari and his management theme.

Gov Ododo said he would initiate a joint committee with NIWA to develop a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development of Inland Waterways in Kogi state. 

The governor noted that joint committee will workout the construction and rehabilitation of jetties in rural communities, improve water transport infrastructure, and create employment opportunities for young people across the state.

He expressed appreciation to the NIWA management for the visit, describing it as a significant step towards fostering stronger cooperation between the state government and the authority.

He also expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate the development of inland waterways in Kogi and across the country.

Earlier, Chairman of NIWA Board of Directors, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, noted that Kogi State occupies a strategic position due to its extensive inland waterways, which, if properly harnessed, could significantly contribute to the economic growth of both the state and the nation.

He explained that NIWA’s efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Blue Economy agenda and reiterated the authority’s commitment to working closely with the Kogi State Government to unlock the vast potential of the state’s waterways.

Shagari said NIWA would seek the state’s collaboration in the development and rehabilitation of jetties and landing sites, dredging and maintenance of navigable channels, promotion of safe water transportation, and strengthening security and safety along inland waterways.

He assured Governor Ododo of NIWA’s readiness to partner with the state in transforming Kogi’s waterways into a major driver of sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Vision.

The NIWA delegation included the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yusuf Umar Girei; General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Abdullahi Dabai; General Manager, Procurement, Ibrahim Sade; General Manager, Audit, Japhet Maisaje; General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics, Muazu Dan’azumi; General Manager, Engineering, Engr. Fidelis Ejike; General Manager, Ports and Environment, Engr. Titus Adoga; and Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama.