Nigeria Approves Major Seaport Modernisation Across Six Ports

The federal government has approved Nigeria's most ambitious seaport modernisation programme in more than five decades, covering six major ports nationwide. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorised the plan, which targets Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos, Onne, Rivers, Calabar, and Warri ports.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola announced the initiative at the 2026 Transport Industry Summit organised by the Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Lagos. Oyetola was represented by Paul Garnuwa, Director of Inland Transport Services at the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency.

“Port efficiency is critical to the performance of the wider transport chain.”

The programme includes reconstructing quay walls, deepening port channels for larger vessels, replacing obsolete cargo-handling equipment, and further digitalising terminal and gate operations. Officials say the upgrades aim to expand capacity, cut vessel turnaround times, and lower logistics costs.

Oyetola stated that port delays have far-reaching consequences for manufacturers, exporters, transport operators, and consumers. He added that the reforms are already gaining international recognition, citing the 2025 Container Port Performance Index by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, urged faster integration of road, rail, waterways, and ports with technology and professional regulation to reduce the cost of moving people and goods.