The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to upgrading major seaports outside Lagos, with Onne, Warri and Calabar identified as priorities in a plan to reduce cargo congestion, improve trade and lower transportation costs across Nigeria.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Friday, October 16, 2026, during Nigeria’s World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos.
Oyetola said the initiative formed part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader strategy to develop the marine and blue economy, attract private investment and create more efficient routes for moving goods nationwide.
The government wants to reduce the heavy concentration of maritime trade around Apapa and Tin Can Island while giving businesses in other parts of Nigeria better access to ports.
FG Prioritises Onne, Warri and Calabar Port Modernisation
According to the minister, the Federal Government intends to create a stronger national port network by upgrading existing facilities and expanding maritime infrastructure beyond Lagos.
He explained that the modernisation programme would improve cargo handling, navigational access and transport connections at major ports.
The initiative follows the government’s September 2026 approval for the comprehensive upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.
Oyetola said improving these facilities would provide additional routes for importers and exporters while helping to reduce pressure on Lagos.
The minister maintained that the government was working with maritime agencies and private investors to turn its infrastructure plans into practical improvements.
Lagos Ports Handle Majority of Nigeria’s Maritime Trade
Oyetola expressed concern over the volume of cargo passing through Lagos, including shipments ultimately destined for other regions of the country.
He said more than 70 per cent of cargo intended for locations outside Lagos continued to move through the city’s ports.
According to the minister, the concentration of cargo traffic contributes to congestion, high transport costs and delays affecting businesses and workers.
Moving goods from Lagos to destinations in the South-East, South-South and other parts of Nigeria can involve additional road transportation expenses.
The government believes strengthening alternative ports could reduce some of these costs and improve the reliability of cargo movement.
However, the scale of the expected savings will depend on the completion of port upgrades, transport links and other supporting infrastructure.
Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports Also Set for Major Upgrades
The minister said the expansion of facilities outside Lagos would complement ongoing plans to modernise Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
In March 2026, Nigeria secured a £746 million financing arrangement supported by UK Export Finance to rehabilitate infrastructure at the two major Lagos ports.
The project covers improvements to existing berths, quay walls and other facilities required to handle cargo more efficiently.
The agreement represents part of the government’s effort to improve port infrastructure while reducing delays associated with ageing facilities.
Oyetola said the broader programme was designed to make Nigerian ports more competitive and attractive to international shipping operators.
Government Pursues Six New Deep Seaport Projects
Beyond existing ports, Oyetola identified six proposed deep seaport developments as part of the administration’s long-term maritime expansion strategy.
The projects include Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo deep seaports.
The minister said the developments could increase Nigeria’s maritime capacity and provide more options for international shipping and trade.
Deep seaports can accommodate larger vessels when designed with adequate water depth, modern cargo terminals and suitable landside transport connections.
However, approvals and development proposals do not mean that every listed project has been constructed or has begun commercial operations.
Their eventual contribution to the economy will depend on financing, regulatory approvals, construction and operational readiness.
FG Plans Better Road, Rail and Inland Waterway Connections
Oyetola also highlighted the need to connect seaports with inland dry ports, industrial centres and agricultural production areas.
He said the government was pursuing a more integrated transport system that would use roads, railways and inland waterways to improve cargo distribution.
The minister identified Onitsha and Baro river ports as facilities with the potential to support domestic commerce and connect inland businesses to wider markets.
According to him, improving these transport links could reduce haulage costs, support non-oil exports and encourage industrial growth outside major coastal cities.
Better infrastructure could also give manufacturers and agricultural exporters more reliable access to shipping services.
New Ports Regulation Law Expected to Improve Competition
The minister described the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, as another important development in the Federal Government’s maritime reform programme.
The legislation establishes a statutory framework for the economic regulation of port services and strengthens oversight of tariffs, charges and commercial practices.
Under the reform, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council transitions into the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency.
The agency is responsible for promoting fair competition, monitoring service standards, protecting port users and addressing commercial disputes.
Oyetola said stronger regulation, combined with infrastructure improvements, could help create a more attractive environment for investment in Nigerian ports.
Maritime Reforms Could Support Jobs and Non-Oil Exports
The minister linked the planned upgrades to Nigeria’s wider economic diversification efforts.
He said improved port capacity and transport connectivity could encourage investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen the export of locally produced goods.
Businesses in the South-South and South-East, in particular, could benefit from more efficient access to maritime facilities closer to their operations.
The government also hopes to reduce the unnecessary movement of cargo across long distances when suitable regional ports can handle those shipments.
Still, these benefits remain dependent on effective implementation of the announced projects.
Senator Raises Concern Over Attacks on Seafarers
At the same event, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, called for stronger action to protect seafarers operating in international waters.
He expressed concern about attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and urged efforts to protect maritime workers.
Eshinlokun said the safety of Nigerian seafarers remained an important concern for the National Assembly.
His remarks came as the international maritime community continued to confront security risks affecting commercial shipping and global trade routes.
World Maritime Day Highlights Need for Practical Reforms
Nigeria’s 2026 World Maritime Day celebration brought together maritime industry leaders, lawmakers, government officials and other stakeholders.
The year’s international theme, From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence, emphasises translating maritime policies into measurable improvements in safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
For Nigeria, the discussion centred on how infrastructure development, regulation and transport connectivity could improve the country’s role in international trade.
Oyetola reaffirmed the government’s intention to pursue a maritime system in which businesses can access efficient services without depending excessively on Lagos ports.
The key test will be how quickly approved projects move from planning and financing into completed infrastructure, reliable operations and lower costs for port users.
