FG Approves Modernisation of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports

The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four major ports outside Lagos as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around the Lagos axis.

The ports covered by the latest approval are Onne Port and Rivers Port in Rivers State, Delta Port in Delta State, and Calabar Port in Cross River State.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval on Sunday, September 27, 2026. He said the decision builds on the earlier approval for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

According to Oyetola, extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos is intended to create a more balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system. The government expects the move to provide additional gateways for international trade while easing the heavy concentration of cargo movement around Lagos.

The minister said the upgraded ports are expected to improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity. The government also expects better port infrastructure and operational efficiency to make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective for businesses.

Oyetola described the four ports as strategically important to Nigeria’s trade, industrial activity and regional development. He said the modernisation programme forms part of the Federal Government’s wider plan to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of economic growth, investment and employment.

The latest approval is also part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. The government has separately approved plans for the development of six proposed deep seaports: Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny.

The government says its broader objective is to develop an integrated maritime and logistics network in which ports work together with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure to improve the movement of cargo across the country.

Oyetola said the Federal Government would work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the approved projects translate into practical improvements for Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The expansion of the modernisation programme beyond Lagos could also create additional trade corridors for businesses in the South-South and other parts of Nigeria, while giving the country more capacity to handle international cargo.

For the Federal Government, the goal is to reduce the time and cost businesses spend moving goods, strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create conditions that can attract investment and support job creation.