The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports to boost efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The approval was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Bolaji Akinola.
According to the statement, the approval is in addition to the earlier approval granted for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
It said the decision underscores the Federal Government’s determination to develop a balanced, efficient and competitive national port system that serves all regions of the country.
The statement noted that 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.
This, it said, is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritizes infrastructure renewal, economic diversification and job creation.
The Federal Government said the upgrade of the eastern ports is long overdue, considering their strategic importance to oil and gas operations, trade facilitation and regional economic integration.
It explained that improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta, which is Warri port, and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling capacity and reduce vessel turnaround times.
The government added that the modernisation will also improve regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable, safer and cost-effective for importers, exporters and manufacturers.
For many years, stakeholders have complained about the over-concentration of port activities in Lagos, which has led to congestion, high cost of doing business and pressure on roads in Apapa and Tin Can.
The approval for the upgrade of ports outside Lagos is therefore seen as a deliberate policy to decongest the Lagos ports and ensure equitable development of port infrastructure across the country.
With the upgrade, businesses in the South-South and South-East will be able to import and export goods through ports closer to them, thereby reducing transportation costs and stimulating local economies.
The Federal Government said the modernisation project will involve rehabilitation of quays, deepening of channels, provision of modern cargo handling equipment, improvement of access roads and deployment of technology for port operations.
It further reiterated that the latest development is in addition to Federal Government’s approvals for the development of new deep seaports across the country.
The new deep seaports 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.
The statement said when completed, the combination of upgraded existing ports and new deep seaports will position Nigeria as a major maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
It added that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, is working closely with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, and other relevant agencies to ensure timely implementation of the projects.
Maritime stakeholders have welcomed the approval, describing it as a bold and commendable step that will attract more shipping lines, create jobs, and boost revenue for the Federal Government.
They however urged the government to ensure transparency, proper funding and close monitoring to ensure that the port modernisation projects are completed on schedule and to international standards.
The Federal Government assured that the upgrade will be carried out in line with global best practices and will contribute significantly to lowering the cost of doing business, improving trade facilitation and driving sustainable economic growth.
The statement also indicated that the modernisation will include automation of port processes and deployment of single window systems to reduce human interface, curb corruption and improve ease of doing business at the ports.
According to the Ministry, private sector participation will be encouraged through concession agreements and public-private partnerships to ensure sustainability and efficient management of the upgraded facilities.
Industry experts say the full utilization of Onne, Warri and Calabar ports will unlock the economic potentials of the Niger Delta region, boost non-oil exports such as agricultural produce and solid minerals, and reduce youth restiveness through job creation.
The Federal Government reaffirmed that no port will be left behind under the current administration, noting that every coastal state has a role to play in building a resilient blue economy that benefits all Nigerians.
It urged importers, exporters, shipping companies and host communities to support the reforms in the maritime sector, assuring that the era of neglected eastern ports is now over.
