FG Approves Modernisation of Delta, Onne, Rivers, Calabar Ports

The approval, announced on Sunday by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, forms part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, improve port efficiency and reduce the heavy concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.

The latest decision follows the earlier approval for the rehabilitation and modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, bringing more of Nigeria’s major existing ports into the Federal Government’s broader port-modernisation programme.

Oyetola said upgrading the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would improve cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time and strengthen regional connectivity.

He added that the improvements were also expected to make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective while creating additional gateways for international trade outside Lagos.

According to the minister, the four ports occupy strategic positions in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development and therefore require modern infrastructure and equipment capable of supporting the demands of a growing economy.

The port-modernisation programme is part of a wider Federal Government plan to expand the country’s maritime capacity. The government has also approved the development of new deep seaports, including Ibom in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi in Cross River, Agge in Bayelsa, Gateway in Ogun, Ondo in Ondo State and Bonny in Rivers State.

Oyetola said the strategy was to modernise existing ports while developing new deep-sea facilities, with the objective of expanding trade corridors, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position within the regional maritime and logistics sector.

The minister further said the Federal Government was working towards an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports would connect effectively with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of cargo.

He said the ministry would continue working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the various port projects translate into improvements in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The approval places the Delta Port among the facilities earmarked for the latest phase of the Federal Government’s port infrastructure expansion, with the potential changes expected to have implications for cargo movement, maritime trade and logistics in the South-South region.