By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to build a more balanced and competitive national port system.
The approval, disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, comes in addition to the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The latest development underscores the Federal Government’s drive to expand and modernise critical port infrastructure across the country and reposition the maritime sector as a major contributor to trade, investment, economic growth and employment.
According to the statement, upgrading the four ports is expected to improve cargo handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity.
The modernisation is also expected to make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective, potentially improving the operating environment for businesses that depend on Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
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The initiative forms part of the broader maritime development strategy of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Federal Government has also approved the development of a number of new deep seaports across different parts of the country.
They 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 government said the combination of modernising existing ports and developing new deep seaports is aimed at creating a more efficient and geographically balanced port network.
The expanded port infrastructure is expected to support increased cargo movement, improve connectivity between Nigeria and regional markets and strengthen the maritime sector’s contribution to the wider economy.
