RismadarVoice Reporters
September 27, 2026
The Federal Government has approved the 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 the country’s port system.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval in a statement issued by his media aide, Bolaji Akinola.
Oyetola said the decision reflected the Federal Government’s plan to develop what it described as a balanced, efficient and competitive national port system.
According to the minister, the programme forms part of the Tinubu administration’s strategy to reposition the maritime sector to contribute more significantly to economic growth, international trade, investment and employment.
“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.
“President Tinubu has made it clear that infrastructure renewal and economic diversification are central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Modern, efficient and competitive ports are critical to achieving these objectives because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.”
The minister said extending the port modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement investments at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
He said improvements at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports were also expected to provide additional gateways for international trade and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
According to Oyetola, improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at the four ports could strengthen cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround times and improve regional connectivity.
“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.
Oyetola said the approval formed part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, alongside previously approved plans for new deep seaports.
He listed 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 and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State among projects intended to expand the country’s maritime capacity.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports,” the minister said.
“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.”
Oyetola said the government’s longer-term objective was to establish an integrated maritime and logistics network connecting ports with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure.
He said such integration was intended to facilitate faster and more predictable movement of cargo while reducing logistics costs for businesses.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive,” Oyetola said.
“We want Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods, while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation.”
The minister said his ministry would continue working with state governments, terminal operators, shipping companies, investors and other stakeholders as the port projects are implemented.
He added that Nigeria’s geographical position, domestic market and maritime resources provided opportunities for the country to expand its role in African maritime trade and logistics.
