FG approves upgrade of four ports
By Godwin Oritse
LAGOS — The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive modernisation and upgrade programme for the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed this, said the latest approval complemented the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Ajibola, Oyetola said the development was aimed at strengthening port infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He said the approvals formed part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of economic growth, trade, investment and employment, while creating a more balanced national port system.
Oyetola said: “This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made it clear that infrastructure renewal and economic diversification are central to the growth of the economy. Efficient and competitive ports are critical to achieving these objectives because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.”
The minister said extending the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would complement investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports and help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos by creating additional gateways for international trade.
He said improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
“These ports have strategic roles to play in our trade, industrial and regional development, and we are determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy,” he said.
The latest approval is also part of a wider expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, with the Federal Government having approved the development of new deep seaports, including 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.
According to Oyetola, the combination of modernising existing ports and developing new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.
“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. This will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
The minister added that the Federal Government’s vision was to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure would work together to facilitate the movement of cargo.
“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 working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the various projects translate into tangible improvements in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
“Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about,” Oyetola added.
The post FG approves upgrade of four ports appeared first on Vanguard News.