The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has assured stakeholders that the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme is not limited to Lagos ports but will cover facilities across the country, including those in the eastern region.
Oyetola gave the assurance during the ministry’s combined citizens and stakeholders’ engagement, sectoral performance review, and ministerial retreat held in Lagos.
Addressing concerns about perceived concentration of port development in Lagos, the minister clarified that the modernisation programme is a nationwide initiative designed to ensure balanced infrastructure growth across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He disclosed that procurement processes are already underway for the modernisation of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, in addition to previously approved upgrades for Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port.
The minister explained that the port modernisation programme extends beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as a transformative intervention aimed at improving operational efficiency within the nation’s ports.
According to him, the initiative will reduce vessel turnaround time, enhance cargo handling capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global maritime industry.
Oyetola further revealed that the Federal Government has granted approvals for the development of new deep seaports in Bayelsa State, Cross River State, Akwa Ibom State, and Ondo State.
He noted that the projects are expected to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, decongest existing ports, open new economic corridors, and position the country as a leading maritime gateway in Africa.
The minister added that the port modernisation initiative aligns with the economic diversification agenda of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is expected to stimulate trade, reduce the cost of doing business, and attract investments across multiple sectors of the economy.
“Let me address a concern that has been raised in some quarters — that our focus is limited to Lagos ports. This is not the case.
“We are committed to a balanced and inclusive development of port infrastructure across the country.
“These projects will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, decongest existing ports, open up new economic corridors, and position our country as a leading maritime gateway in Africa,” he said.
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