FG moves to modernise eastern ports, ends Lagos-centric focus

By: Amarachi Okonkwo 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s port infrastructure, with a renewed focus on modernising facilities across the eastern corridor as part of a broader national maritime strategy.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, emphasising that the port modernisation drive is a nationwide initiative and not limited to Lagos-based facilities.

Oyetola addressed concerns about a perceived concentration of investments in Lagos ports, clarifying that the government is pursuing a balanced development framework. 

“Our focus is not limited to Lagos ports. We are implementing a holistic programme that captures all key maritime hubs across the country,” he said.

According to the minister, procurement processes are already underway for the upgrade of major eastern ports, including Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar. 

These projects complement earlier approvals granted for the rehabilitation and expansion of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

He described the modernisation programme as a transformative intervention under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.

Beyond infrastructure upgrades, Oyetola noted that the initiative is designed to address longstanding operational inefficiencies. Key expected outcomes include reduced vessel turnaround time, improved cargo handling capacity, and enhanced overall port productivity factors critical to lowering logistics costs and boosting trade flows.

In a further expansion of maritime capacity, the Federal Government has also approved the development of new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo states. These greenfield projects are expected to ease congestion at existing ports, unlock new economic corridors, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.

“These new ports will significantly expand our capacity, improve connectivity, and position Nigeria as a leading gateway for maritime trade in Africa,” Oyetola said.

The minister added that the port reforms are aligned with the government’s broader economic diversification agenda, with potential ripple effects across manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. By improving port efficiency, the government aims to reduce the cost of doing business and attract both domestic and foreign investments.

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On shipping, Oyetola revealed progress toward establishing a new national carrier, a move seen as critical to retaining value within Nigeria’s maritime economy. 

He disclosed that discussions with global operators, including AD Ports Group and DP World, have advanced, with both firms indicating interest in partnerships.

The proposed national shipping line is expected to reduce reliance on foreign carriers, improve freight earnings retention, and create employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and maritime professionals.

The minister linked the initiative to complementary policies such as the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, which is intended to empower indigenous shipowners and deepen local participation in coastal shipping.

“By strengthening local capacity and fostering strategic partnerships, we are positioning Nigeria to play a more prominent role in global shipping,” Oyetola stated.

Industry stakeholders at the event welcomed the government’s renewed focus, describing the programme as a long-overdue intervention that could significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade while revitalising the maritime sector.