Nigeria’s Federal Government Approves Upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar Ports to Alleviate Lagos Congestion
Federal Government has approved modernization and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports
In Brief
- •Federal Government has approved modernization and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar ports
- •The upgrades aim to expand maritime capacity and reduce cargo concentration around Lagos
- •Minister Adegboyega Oyetola announced the approval, complementing earlier upgrades of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports
- •The project is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition the maritime sector as an economic driver
- •Upgrades are expected to improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, and enhance regional connectivity
Why It Matters
Lagos has long been the bottleneck for Nigeria’s maritime trade, with congestion driving up costs and delays for businesses. By upgrading key ports outside Lagos, the government seeks to distribute cargo traffic more evenly, lower logistics costs, and create a more competitive national port system. The move is also intended to support job creation, attract investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.
Key Details
- Ports upgraded
- Onne, Rivers, Delta, Calabar
- Approval date
- 2026-09-27
- Minister
- Adegboyega Oyetola
- Goal
- Reduce cargo concentration in Lagos
- Strategic agenda
- Renewed Hope Agenda
Context & Background
Lagos ports, particularly Apapa and Tin Can Island, have historically faced severe congestion, prompting earlier modernization efforts. The current approval extends the upgrade program beyond Lagos to further alleviate bottlenecks.
Original Reporting & Sources
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