Oyetola Announces Approval to Modernise Onne, Rivers, Delta, Calabar Ports
Oru Leonard
Days after the Seven Billion Dollar investment at the Ogun State Seaport, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position as a major logistics hub in Africa.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval in Abuja on Saturday, saying the initiative complements the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
According to the statement signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, the expansion of the port modernisation programme beyond Lagos is aimed at creating a more balanced, efficient and competitive national port system while reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
Oyetola said the initiative was consistent with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of economic growth, trade, investment and employment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.“This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports,” Oyetola said.
He explained that improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround time, improve regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
The Minister said the four ports have strategic roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development, stressing that the government was determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.
The latest approval also forms part of a wider expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including approvals for the development of new deep seaports.
The projects include the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun State, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo State and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.
Oyetola said the combination of upgrading existing ports and developing new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and facilitate the emergence of stronger economic corridors across the country.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. This will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
He added that the Federal Government was working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system where ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure operate together to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.
“Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive. We want Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods, while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation,” the Minister said.
Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the various maritime projects deliver tangible improvements to Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
“Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value,” he said.
