Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising ports outside Lagos, with Onne, Warri and Calabar among the facilities targeted for improved capacity and operational efficiency.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the assurance on Friday at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said the initiative was part of the government’s broader blue economy agenda to strengthen maritime infrastructure, improve trade efficiency and stimulate economic growth across the country.
According to the minister, the modernisation programme will complement ongoing efforts at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, while advancing the government’s ambition to establish a more balanced network of maritime gateways nationwide.
Oyetola also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing deep seaports at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo.
“This is a deliberate effort to expand capacity, improve efficiency and build a more balanced national network of maritime gateways,” he said.
The minister explained that the government’s port development strategy was designed to integrate seaports, inland dry ports and production centres through an interconnected network of roads, railways and inland waterways.
“By linking our seaports to Inland Dry Ports and production centres through an integrated multimodal network of road, rail and inland waterways, we are bringing cargo closer to producers and consumers, reducing haulage costs, easing pressure on Lagos, strengthening exports and stimulating industrial and logistics clusters across the Federation,” Oyetola said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s maritime development drive extended beyond coastal communities, highlighting the strategic importance of inland ports and waterways, including Onitsha and Baro, in connecting businesses and production centres to domestic and international markets.
Oyetola added that the Ministry was working with relevant government agencies and investors to translate its port development plans into functional infrastructure, efficient cargo-handling systems, navigable channels and reliable transport connections.
He also identified the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, as a significant step towards strengthening economic regulation, promoting fair competition and improving service delivery across the port system.
According to him, sustained investment in port infrastructure and improved multimodal connectivity would lower logistics costs, attract investment, boost exports and create employment opportunities across different parts of the country.
The 2026 World Maritime Day celebration attracted maritime industry leaders, heads of government agencies, lawmakers and other stakeholders.
In a goodwill message at the event, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need to protect maritime personnel amid growing security concerns along international shipping routes.