The Federal Government has approved plans to upgrade key seaports across the country, including the Calabar, Delta, Onne and Rivers ports, as part of efforts to improve maritime operations, strengthen trade and boost economic activities.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval in a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Oyetola explained that the decision builds on the Federal Government’s earlier approval for the modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

He said extending the upgrade programme to other parts of the country would help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos while providing additional gateways for international trade.

According to the minister, the modernisation of the four ports is expected to improve cargo-handling capacity, reduce the time vessels spend at ports and strengthen regional connectivity.

He added that more efficient port operations would make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective, while supporting businesses, industrial development and investment.

Oyetola noted that the four ports play strategic roles in Nigeria’s trade and regional economic development, stressing the need to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.

The minister also disclosed that the approval forms part of a broader plan to expand the country’s maritime infrastructure through the development of additional deep seaports.

The proposed projects include the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun, Ondo Deep Seaport and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.

He said the combination of modernising existing facilities and developing new ports would increase Nigeria’s maritime capacity and help establish stronger economic corridors across the country.

The minister further outlined the government’s ambition to develop an integrated maritime and logistics system linking ports with roads, railways and inland waterways to facilitate the movement of cargo.

He added that the ministry would collaborate with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver improvements in the marine and blue economy.

The Federal Government’s latest approval follows earlier procurement preparations for port modernisation, including projects involving Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne