The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval on Sunday. The move aims to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
Nigeria’s ports are concentrated in Lagos. Apapa and Tin Can Island handle most cargo. Congestion is chronic. Access roads are gridlocked. Clearing times are long. The congestion costs billions annually. Successive governments have promoted alternative ports. Lekki Deep Sea Port opened in 2023. It eased pressure marginally. South-South ports have faced years of underuse. In August 2026, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori urged the federal government to revive the Warri, Koko, Sapele and Burutu ports. Calabar Port has faced longstanding dredging challenges. In 2023, Cross River Governor Bassey Otu appealed for the dredging of the Calabar channel.
Oyetola said the upgrade would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity. He said the ports have strategic roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development. He said the expansion beyond Lagos would complement ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. “This is part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure,” he said. He cited approvals for the development of Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports. “Our approach is comprehensive,” he said. “We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep-seaports.” The government wants Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving goods. It wants to attract investment and support employment.
Winners: South-South economies, which gain investment. Port operators, who gain infrastructure. Businesses, which gain alternative routes. Commuters in Lagos, if congestion eases. Losers: Lagos ports, which face competition. Communities displaced by construction. Taxpayers, if projects are mismanaged. Contractors who cannot deliver.
Bottom Line: The FG approved four port upgrades. The goal is to reduce Lagos congestion. The South-South gains infrastructure. Execution is the test.