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 infrastructure and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday.
Oyetola said the approval builds on the earlier plan to modernise and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
He said the initiative was aimed at developing a balanced and globally competitive port system capable of supporting trade, attracting investment and creating jobs.
“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,” Oyetola said.
According to the minister, expanding the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement ongoing investments in the state while creating additional gateways for international trade.
He said the upgrades would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity.
“Upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective,” he added.
Oyetola said the four ports play strategic roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development, stressing that the government was committed to equipping them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
He added that the programme was part of a broader expansion of the country’s maritime infrastructure, including 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.
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,” the minister said.
He said the ministry would work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver tangible improvements.
Oyetola said the government’s vision was to develop an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to facilitate the movement of cargo.
He added that the initiative would help reduce the time and resources Nigerian businesses spend moving goods while creating an environment that supports investment and job creation.
PUNCH Online had reported on April 3, 2026, that the Federal Government had commenced procurement processes for the modernisation of the Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports, alongside the previously approved upgrades of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
