Onne, Rivers, Delta Ports ready for modernisation, upgrade

The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola said the approval is in addition to the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

This, he said, is to develop a balanced, efficient and competitive national port system.

According to him: “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 extending the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would complement the 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 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.

According to Oyetola, the combination of modernising existing ports and developing new deep seaports will significantly 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,” the Minister said.

He added that the Federal Government’s vision is to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.

“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.