Adegboyega Oyetola
The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and infrastructure upgrade of four Eastern ports; Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar in a bid to boost trade facilitation, improve maritime efficiency, and reduce vessel turnaround times across the country.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, in Lagos.
According to Oyetola, the latest approval complements the ongoing modernization efforts at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos State. The wider initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure renewal, economic diversification, and repositioning the maritime sector to drive industrialization and job creation.
Oyetola emphasised that upgrading port infrastructure beyond Lagos is crucial for decentralizing maritime commerce, easing severe traffic congestion around Lagos corridors, and providing efficient alternative gateways for international trade.
“Upgraded infrastructure and modern equipment at the four ports will increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time, and lower the cost of doing business,” Oyetola stated, adding that the improvements will strengthen regional supply chains and make logistics more predictable and cost-effective.
The Minister further disclosed that the modernisation project operates alongside plans to establish six new greenfield deep seaports across the nation:
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Ibom Deep Seaport (Akwa Ibom)
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Bakassi Deep Seaport (Cross River)
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Agge Deep Seaport (Bayelsa)
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Gateway Deep Seaport (Ogun)
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Ondo Deep Seaport (Ondo)
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Bonny Deep Seaport (Rivers)
“Combining the modernization of existing ports with the development of new deep seaports will significantly expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country,” he said.
Oyetola reiterated the ministry’s commitment to building an integrated logistics framework connecting ports, rail networks, inland waterways, and roads, while collaborating with state governments, terminal operators, and international shipping lines to execute the projects.
