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

By Adebola Muili

The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.

The approval was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, which said the development was in addition to the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

According to the statement, the approvals underscore the Federal Government’s determination to develop a balanced, efficient and competitive national port system capable of supporting economic growth and facilitating trade.

It said the latest development formed part of the administration’s broader strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment and employment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The statement said the planned improvements would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and improve regional connectivity, while making the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.

It added that the investment would strengthen the capacity of the affected facilities to support businesses and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Akinola further said the latest approvals complemented the Federal Government’s plans for the development of new deep seaports across the country.

The projects 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 the modernisation and expansion programme would help expand maritime capacity, improve connectivity and position the sector to contribute more significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.

It added that improved infrastructure and efficiency across the maritime network would support international trade, reduce logistics costs and create a more predictable environment for the movement of goods.