By Prevail Inegbenose
The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and expand the country’s trade capacity.
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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the approval complements earlier plans to modernise the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Oyetola said the latest approval reflects the Federal Government’s determination to develop a balanced and competitive national port system capable of supporting economic growth, trade, investment and job creation.
He explained that extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around the state by creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.
According to the minister, improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at the four ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround time, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
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“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.
The minister said the latest approval was part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, alongside approvals for new deep seaports including 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 combination of upgrading existing ports and developing new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
He added that the Federal Government was working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system where ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure would facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.
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“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive. 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 said.
The minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects deliver tangible improvements to Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.