The Federal Government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of four major Nigerian ports — Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports — as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, boost trade and strengthen the country’s blue economy.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the approval, saying the port modernization program is expected to improve operational efficiency and make Nigeria’s maritime sector more competitive.
The latest approval follows the Federal Government’s earlier approval for the modernization and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
Four Nigerian Ports Approved For Upgrade
The ports covered by the latest modernization program are:
Onne Port
Rivers Port
Delta Port
Calabar Port
The Federal Government says upgrading these ports will help improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround time and create additional gateways for international trade.
According to Oyetola, the move is also intended to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos by strengthening port facilities in other parts of the country.
Why Is The Federal Government Upgrading Nigerian Ports?
The Federal Government said the port upgrade is part of its broader plan to reposition Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
Efficient ports are important to the movement of imports and exports and can support businesses involved in trade, logistics and manufacturing.
The government expects the upgraded facilities to improve the movement of goods and make port operations more predictable and cost-effective.
Oyetola said the ports in Rivers, Delta and Cross River states have strategic roles to play in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development.
FG Plans More Deep Seaports Across Nigeria
The modernisation of existing ports is also being accompanied by plans for the development of new deep seaports.
The Federal Government has approved or is facilitating the development of several proposed deep seaports, including:
Ibom Deep Seaport — Akwa Ibom State
Bakassi Deep Seaport — Cross River State
Agge Deep Seaport — Bayelsa State
Gateway Deep Seaport — Ogun State
Ondo Deep Seaport — Ondo State
Bonny Deep Seaport — Rivers State
According to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, combining the modernization of existing ports with the development of new deep-seaports will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and strengthen economic corridors across the country.
Nigeria Targets Better Maritime and Logistics System
The Federal Government also wants Nigeria to develop an integrated maritime and logistics system connecting ports with roads, railways, inland waterways, and other transport infrastructure.
The aim is to make the movement of cargo more efficient while reducing the time and resources businesses spend transporting goods.
The government also expects improved maritime infrastructure to attract investment and support employment opportunities.
FG To Work With State Governments And Port Operators
Oyetola said the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would continue working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the various port projects produce tangible results.
He said Nigeria has the geographical location, market and maritime resources required to become a major maritime hub in Africa.
The minister added that the government’s responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment needed to turn Nigeria’s maritime potential into sustainable economic value.
What The Port Upgrade Means For Nigeria
The approval to modernize Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports represents another step in the Federal Government’s plan to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
If implemented as planned, the upgrades are intended to increase port capacity, improve cargo handling, strengthen regional trade connections and provide businesses with additional routes for moving goods.
The initiative also forms part of the government’s wider effort to position Nigeria as a stronger maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
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