MON SEPT 28 2026-theGBJournal| The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four major ports in southern Nigeria, expanding its programme to overhaul the country’s ageing maritime infrastructure and improve the efficiency of cargo handling.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the approval covers Onne Port in Rivers State, Rivers Port, Delta Port and Calabar Port in Cross River State, in a move aimed at strengthening port capacity and creating a more balanced national maritime network.
”This is part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including Federal Government approvals for the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaports,” Oyetola adds.
According to the Minister, ”Our vision is an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to enable the seamless movement of cargo.”
He said the government wants Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods, while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation.
He equally assured that the Ministry will continue to work closely with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that these projects translate into tangible improvements across Nigeria’s 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.
The latest approvals follow the government’s earlier decision to modernise and upgrade Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, two of Nigeria’s busiest gateways for imports and exports.
The government’s port modernisation programme comes as Nigeria seeks to improve the competitiveness of its maritime sector, reduce inefficiencies in cargo movement and encourage more trade through ports outside Lagos.
Analysts have maintained that a more evenly distributed port system could also help reduce pressure on the Lagos port complex and expand access to maritime trade for businesses in other parts of the country.
The ports covered by the latest approval serve important commercial and industrial centres.
Onne Port, located in the Niger Delta, is a major hub for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, while Calabar Port provides a maritime gateway to the south-eastern region. The ports in Rivers and Delta states also serve industrial, energy and commercial activity across the Niger Delta.
The minister said the approvals reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to developing a “balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system.”
The modernisation drive is expected to focus on upgrading port infrastructure and facilities, improving operational efficiency and positioning the ports to handle growing volumes of domestic and international trade.
The federal government has increasingly presented the maritime sector as a source of economic growth beyond oil, with modern and efficiently operated ports seen as essential to expanding trade, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.
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