By Charles Maduka
The Federal Government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of plans to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and reduce the heavy concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, announced the approval in a statement shared on his official X handle on Sunday.
He said the decision follows the earlier approval for the upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, noting that the government’s objective is to establish a more balanced and competitive port system across the country.
“This approval builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, reaffirming our determination to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system,” he said.
Oyetola said the programme is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on renewing infrastructure and diversifying the economy.
He described efficient and modern ports as essential to achieving the administration’s objectives because of their role in facilitating trade, supporting industries, attracting investment and generating employment.
The minister explained that taking the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would complement investments already being made in the state, while reducing the pressure created by the concentration of cargo movement around the country’s commercial centre.
He added that the expansion would also create more entry points for international trade and improve the movement of goods.
According to Oyetola, the upgrades at the four ports would boost cargo-handling capacity, shorten the time vessels spend at the ports and improve connections between different regions.
“Upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective,” he said.
The minister said Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports each play important roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial activities and regional development.
He added that the government intends to provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure to enable the ports respond to the needs of a growing economy.
Oyetola said the latest approval forms part of a wider plan to expand the country’s maritime infrastructure, which also includes the proposed Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. Together, these investments will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
He further disclosed that the ministry would collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects produce meaningful improvements in the marine and blue economy.
“Our vision is an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to enable the seamless movement of cargo,” Oyetola said.
The minister said another objective of the programme is to cut the time and resources businesses spend transporting goods while creating conditions that will attract investment and promote employment.
He added that the ministry would maintain its cooperation with relevant stakeholders to ensure the projects produce measurable benefits for the Nigerian economy.
PUNCHOnline reported on April 3, 2026, that the Federal Government had begun procurement processes for the modernisation of the Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports.
The report said the process was being undertaken alongside the previously approved upgrades of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports as part of the government’s broader efforts to improve maritime infrastructure across the country.
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