Oyetola approves the modernization and modernization of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports

Oyetola approves the modernization and modernization of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports

By Sarah Kitka

Abuja (Core Reporters) The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernization and upgrading of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced.

The approval comes in addition to the previous approval for the modernization and upgrading of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, underlining the Federal Government’s determination to develop a balanced, efficient and competitive national port system.

Minister Oyetola said the latest approval is 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 Ahmed 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. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made it clear that infrastructure renewal and economic diversification are central to the Renewed Hope agenda. Modern, efficient and competitive ports are key to achieving these goals because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.”

The Minister said extending the modernization program to ports outside Lagos would complement investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island and help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos by creating additional efficient gateways for international trade.

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

“These ports have a strategic role to play in our commercial, industrial and regional development, and we are determined to equip them to meet the needs of a growing economy,” he said.

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

According to Oyetola, the combination of the modernization of existing ports and the development of new deep-water ports will significantly expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.

“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernizing existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep-water ports. This will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle growing trade volumes, attract investment and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” the Minister said.

He added that the federal government’s vision is to create an integrated maritime and logistics system where ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transportation infrastructure work together to facilitate the smooth movement of goods.

“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 collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that various projects result in tangible improvements in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

“Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a major maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment to transform that potential into sustainable economic value. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about,” added Dr Oyetola.