FG approves upgrade of Onne, Delta, Calabar ports

File photo: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola

The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced.

According to a statement on Sunday by the Special Adviser to Oyetola, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the approval is in addition to the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tincan Island ports in Lagos, underscoring the Federal Government’s determination to develop a balanced, efficient and competitive national port system.

Speaking further, Oyetola said the latest approval formed part of the administration’s broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment and employment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports,” the Minister said.

He added that President Tinubu had made it clear that infrastructure renewal and economic diversification were central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Modern, efficient and competitive ports are critical to achieving these objectives because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.

Oyetola highlighted that extending the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would complement the investments in Apapa and Tincan Island and help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos by creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.

He noted that improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.

“These ports have strategic roles to play in our trade, industrial and regional development, and we are determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy,” Oyetola said.

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According to Oyetola, the combination of modernising existing ports and developing new deep seaports will significantly expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create 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,” Oyetola stressed.

He added that the Federal Government’s vision is to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work 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,” Oyetola said.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the various projects translate into tangible improvements in 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. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about,” Oyetola added.

The latest approval is also part of a wider expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. It comes in addition to the Federal Government’s approvals for the development of new deep seaports, including 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.