The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Ajibola.
Oyetola said the approval complemented the earlier plan to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to him, the programme is aimed at strengthening port infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He said expanding the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in the state by creating additional gateways for international trade.
The minister said improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround time, improve regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
“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,” Oyetola said.
He added that the Federal Government had also approved the development of new deep seaports, including the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
Oyetola said the modernisation of existing ports alongside the development of new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and strengthen economic corridors across the country.
He said the government also planned to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system linking ports with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of cargo.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects deliver improvements to Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.