By Mary Izuaka

 

The federal government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday.

“I am pleased to announce that the federal government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports,” Mr Oyetola said.

He said the approval builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

He said the move reaffirms the government’s determination to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, infrastructure renewal and economic diversification remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs,” he said.

According to the minister, extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos will complement ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island, while helping to reduce concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.

He said it will also create additional efficient gateways for international trade.

“Upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective,” he said.

Mr Oyetola said the ports have strategic roles to play in trade, industrial and regional development, and the government is determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.

He said the approval is part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including approvals for the development of Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.

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

He said the vision is an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to enable 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,” he added.

Mr Oyetola said the ministry will continue to work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects translate into tangible improvements across the marine and blue economy.

“Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment required to turn that potential into sustainable economic value,” he added.