FG Approves Upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, Calabar Ports

The federal government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, announced in a post on X, saying the approval builds on the earlier plan to modernise and upgrade Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

He said the move is part of efforts to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, infrastructure renewal and economic diversification remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister said.

“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.

“Extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos will complement ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island, while helping to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos and creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.”

‘UPGRADED PORTS WILL ENHANCE CARGO HANDLING’

He said upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, 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,” Oyetola added.

The minister said the approval is part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including federal government approvals 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