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 capacity and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval on Sunday, September 27, 2026. 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 approval follows the Federal Government’s earlier plan to modernise Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. According to the minister, extending the modernisation programme to other parts of the country is intended to create a more balanced and efficient national port system.
Oyetola said the upgrades would provide additional gateways for international trade and help reduce the heavy concentration of cargo movement around Lagos.
He said improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at the four ports would increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity. The government also expects the improvements to make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective for businesses.
Government targets stronger trade corridors
The minister explained that the four ports have important roles to play in Nigeria’s trade and industrial development. Their modernisation is therefore being presented as part of a wider strategy to improve the country’s logistics network.
The government said a stronger network of ports outside Lagos could provide businesses with more options for importing and exporting goods, while reducing pressure on the country’s busiest maritime gateways.
The move comes at a time when activity at Nigerian ports has been increasing. According to Nairametrics, cargo throughput rose by 11.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 to 32.38 million metric tonnes, while second-quarter throughput increased by 12.3 per cent to 35.74 million metric tonnes.
The growth in cargo activity has increased the need for infrastructure capable of handling larger volumes of trade efficiently.
Six new deep seaports also planned
The Federal Government’s latest approval is not limited to upgrading existing facilities.
The government has also approved the development of six deep seaports: Ibom in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi in Cross River State, Agge in Bayelsa State, Gateway in Ogun State, Ondo in Ondo State and Bonny in Rivers State.
Oyetola said combining the rehabilitation of existing ports with the development of new deep seaports would expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across different parts of the country.
He also outlined a broader vision in which ports would work together with roads, railways and inland waterways to create an integrated logistics network for the movement of goods.
No project cost or completion date announced
While the Federal Government has announced the approval, details about the total cost, funding arrangements and completion timeline for the four-port modernisation programme were not disclosed in the reports.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is expected to work with state governments, terminal operators, shipping companies, investors and other stakeholders as the projects progress.
The government says the broader port programme is aimed at improving trade, supporting industrial activity, attracting investment and creating jobs while strengthening Nigeria’s position as a maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
