FG assures Eastern Ports Upgrades

• Says Port Modernisation Not Limited to Lagos

Nigerian government has given the assurance that Sea ports in the Eastern part of the country will also be upgraded like the Lagos Apapa and Tin can Island ports.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, recently clarified that the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme is a nationwide initiative, dismissing concerns that the focus is restricted to Lagos.

Speaking last Thursday at the ministry’s combined citizens and stakeholders’ engagement, sectoral performance and ministerial retreat in Lagos, Oyetola stressed that inclusive infrastructure development remains central to the 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,” he said.

He disclosed that procurement processes are already underway for the modernisation of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, alongside the approved upgrades for Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

“We are committed to a balanced and inclusive development of port infrastructure across the country,” Oyetola emphasised.

The Minister explained that the modernisation effort goes beyond infrastructure, describing it as “a transformative intervention” by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that will enhance port efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time, and improve cargo handling capacity.

He further revealed that approvals have been granted for the development of new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo States.

“These projects will expand Nige- ria’s maritime capacity, decongest existing ports, open up new economic corridors, and position our country as a leading maritime gateway in Africa,” he said.