The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval in a post on X, noting that the initiative complements the planned modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

Oyetola said expanding the programme to other parts of the country would help ease the concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos while providing additional gateways for international trade.

He said the government’s investment in modern port infrastructure would support trade, stimulate industrial activity, attract investment and create employment opportunities.

According to the minister, the upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports is expected to improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround time, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more efficient 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,” Oyetola said.

The minister disclosed that the approval forms part of a wider maritime infrastructure expansion programme, which also includes government-backed 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,” he said.

Oyetola said the projects would collectively increase Nigeria’s maritime capacity, strengthen economic corridors and enhance the country’s prospects as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.

He added that the government was working towards an integrated transport and logistics network where ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other infrastructure would function together to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.

“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.

Oyetola assured that the ministry would continue to collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver tangible improvements across Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.