The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to improve efficiency, competitiveness and trade facilitation.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, in Lagos on Sunday.
Oyetola said the approval complemented the earlier authorisation for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to him, expanding the modernisation programme beyond Lagos is intended to reduce cargo concentration at the nation’s busiest ports by providing more efficient gateways for international trade.
He said the installation of modern infrastructure and equipment at the four eastern ports would increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time and lower the cost of doing business.
The minister added that improved port efficiency would strengthen regional connectivity and national supply chains while making the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
Oyetola said the approval was part of the government’s broader plan to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including the development of six new deep seaports.
The proposed deep seaports are Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers.
He said combining the modernisation of existing ports with the development of new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
The minister said the government was also working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, railways and inland waterways would operate together to facilitate cargo movement.
He said the objective was to establish an efficient, transparent and globally competitive port system capable of reducing the cost and time of moving goods across international borders and to inland destinations.
Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to translate the projects into sustainable economic growth and job creation.
