FG approves upgrade of Calabar, Delta, Onne, Rivers ports

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The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand the country’s maritime infrastructure and reduce cargo traffic concentration in Lagos.

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday.

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Oyetola said the approval builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, adding that the move was aimed at developing a balanced and globally competitive port system.

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“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.

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The minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.

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“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs,” he stated.

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He explained that extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement ongoing investments in the state while helping to ease the concentration of cargo traffic around the commercial centre and provide additional gateways for international trade.

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According to him, the upgrades would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity.

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“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,” Oyetola said.

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The minister noted that the four ports had strategic roles in the country’s trade, industrial and regional development, adding that the government was committed to equipping them to meet the demands of a growing economy.

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He said the approval was part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, which includes plans for the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.

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“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.

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Oyetola added that the ministry would work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects deliver tangible improvements across the marine and blue economy.

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“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,” he said.

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The minister said the government wanted to reduce the time and resources Nigerian businesses spend moving goods while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation.

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He added that the ministry would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the projects translate into tangible benefits for the economy.

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PUNCHOnline reported on April 3, 2026, that the Federal Government had commenced procurement processes for the modernisation of the Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports, alongside the previously approved upgrades of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure nationwide.n

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