Blue Economy
Port Modernisation Extends Beyond Lagos, Oyetola Insists as FG Eyes New Deep Seaports in Four States
Port Modernisation Extends Beyond Lagos, Oyetola Insists as FG Eyes New Deep Seaports in Four States
By Okeoghene Onoriobe, Waterways News Correspondent, Lagos
Marine and Blue Economy Minister Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola has moved to put to rest growing industry concerns that the Federal Government’s ambitious port modernisation drive is narrowly focused on Lagos, insisting that the programme spans Nigeria’s entire coastline — from the Niger Delta to the South-South.
Oyetola made the clarification on Thursday in Lagos at the ministry’s combined citizens and stakeholders’ engagement, sectoral performance and ministerial retreat, stressing that equitable infrastructure development lies at the heart of his ministry’s mandate.
“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,” the minister said.
He disclosed that procurement processes are already underway for the modernisation of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, in addition to already approved upgrades for the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. “We are committed to a balanced and inclusive development of port infrastructure across the country,” he emphasised.
Going further, Oyetola revealed that approvals have been granted for the development of brand new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo States — a disclosure that signals a significant broadening of the Tinubu administration’s maritime footprint beyond the traditional Lagos axis.
“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.
The minister described the modernisation effort as more than a bricks-and-mortar exercise, calling it “a transformative intervention” that will cut vessel turnaround time, boost cargo handling capacity, and sharpen overall port efficiency.
Oyetola noted that the initiative dovetails with the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification goals, with expectations that it will stimulate trade, lower the cost of doing business, and unlock investment across multiple sectors of the economy.
The ministry’s position was communicated through a press statement by Special Adviser Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
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