Nigeria approves modernisation of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports

The Nigerian Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four major ports: Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced that this initiative aims to develop a balanced and competitive national port system, reducing the heavy concentration of cargo traffic currently centered around Lagos ports like Apapa and Tin Can Island.

The upgrades are intended to enhance cargo handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround times, and improve regional connectivity. This infrastructure renewal is a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ focusing on economic diversification and repositioning the maritime sector as a driver for trade, investment, and employment.

In addition to upgrading existing facilities, the government is pursuing the development of six new deep-sea ports located in Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo, and Bonny. Together, these projects are designed to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.