FG To Upgrade 4 Seaports

The federal government has approved the upgrade of four seaports across the country. The seaports are those in Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar.

The government said this is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and reduce pressure on Lagos ports; Apapa and Tincan ports

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a post on X on Saturday, saying the approval builds on the government’s earlier plan to modernise Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
He said extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would help develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system.
According to the minister, modern and efficient ports are critical to facilitating trade, supporting industries, attracting investment and creating jobs.
Oyetola said the upgrade of the four ports would reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos while creating additional gateways for international trade.
He affirmed  that  the upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround time, strengthen 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,” he said.
The minister stressed that the approval was part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including plans for the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports,” Oyetola said.

He noted that the investments would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors and position the country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
Oyetola said the government was working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure would work together to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.