Federal government approves upgrades for four regional ports

The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola said on Sunday. Oyetola said the decision would complement the previously approved modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. The government’s stated aim is to create a more balanced national port system and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the minister said modern ports were important to trade, industry, investment and employment. He said improvements at the four ports would provide additional gateways for international commerce. According to Oyetola, the planned work is expected to improve cargo handling, shorten vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connections.

He said the upgrades should also make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective for businesses. The minister described the four ports as strategically important to Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development. He said the government intended to equip them to serve the needs of a growing economy.

The programme forms part of a wider plan that includes proposed deep seaports at Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny. Oyetola said the approach combined the modernisation of existing facilities with the development of new ports. He added that the ministry would work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders.

The broader objective, he said, was an integrated system linking ports with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure. PUNCHOnline reported that procurement processes had also begun for the modernisation of the Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports, alongside the approved Lagos upgrades.