Nigeria to Modernise Four Major Seaports

Nigeria has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced on Sunday.

Oyetola said the approval builds on an earlier one for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, and reaffirms efforts to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system.

“I am pleased to announce that the Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports,” Oyetola said in a post on X.

“This approval builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, reaffirming our determination to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system.”

The minister said infrastructure renewal and economic diversification remain central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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

He said extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement ongoing investments at Apapa and Tin Can Island while reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.

Oyetola said the upgrades 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,” he said.

The minister said the approval was part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including 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. Together, these investments will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” Oyetola said.

“Our vision is an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to enable the seamless movement of cargo.”

He said the ministry would work closely with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects translate into tangible improvements across Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Approval for Modernisation and Upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, Calabar Ports

I am pleased to announce that the Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports.

Read More : INEC Restates Commitment To Fair Elections

This approval builds on the earlier approval for… pic.twitter.com/MmogMw0d3o

— Adegboyega Oyetola (@GboyegaOyetola) September 27, 2026