The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of four major ports — Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar — as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and improve the movement of goods across the country.
The initiative is expected to support trade, reduce logistics bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s port system as the government seeks to expand economic activity beyond oil.
According to The Independent, the upgrade forms part of broader plans to strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure and improve the capacity of its ports to handle growing commercial activity.
The development comes as businesses continue to rely heavily on Nigeria’s seaports for the import and export of goods. Improvements in port infrastructure could help reduce delays and lower some of the costs associated with moving goods through the country.
The government’s focus on port modernisation also aligns with efforts to improve Nigeria’s logistics network by connecting maritime transport with road and rail systems.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has separately called for greater integration of rail, road and maritime transportation to reduce logistics costs and improve the movement of goods nationwide.
For businesses, more efficient ports could improve supply-chain planning, particularly for manufacturers, exporters, importers and companies involved in regional trade.
The four ports covered by the upgrade are located in different parts of the country, giving the programme potential to improve access to maritime infrastructure beyond Lagos.
The Federal Government is expected to continue implementing measures aimed at increasing port efficiency, supporting trade and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics and commercial hub.
