By Tunde Ojudun
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme is a nationwide initiative, countering perceptions that the focus is limited to Lagos.
Speaking at the ministry’s combined citizens and stakeholders’ engagement, sectoral performance review, and ministerial retreat in Lagos, Oyetola emphasized that inclusive infrastructure development is 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 stated.
According to a press release signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, procurement processes are already underway for the modernisation of Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar ports, alongside approved upgrades for Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos.
Oyetola described the initiative as a “transformative intervention” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, designed to enhance port efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time, and improve cargo handling capacity.
He further disclosed 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 Nigeria’s maritime capacity, decongest existing ports, open up new economic corridors, and position our country as a leading maritime gateway in Africa,” Oyetola said.
The Minister stressed that the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification agenda, expected to stimulate trade, lower the cost of doing business, and attract investment across multiple sectors.