The Federal Government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of four ports outside Lagos, alongside the development of six deep seaports across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Ogun, Ondo and Rivers states.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola announced the approvals on Sunday. The four ports targeted for upgrade are Onne and Rivers ports in Rivers State, Delta Port in Delta State and Calabar Port in Cross River State. The six deep seaports are Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny.
Kanyi Daily reports that the approval builds on earlier modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. Oyetola said extending the programme beyond Lagos would complement investments in the two Lagos ports while reducing cargo traffic concentration around the Lagos axis.
The upgrades will improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity, according to Oyetola. The improvements will make goods movement more predictable and cost-effective while supporting trade, industrial activity and regional development.
The FG is combining port modernisation with new deep seaports to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors. Oyetola said the government’s approach extends beyond port infrastructure to an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together.
The objective is to reduce the time and resources businesses spend moving goods while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation. The Ministry will work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver tangible improvements.
Separately, the FG began exclusive talks with APM Terminals on developing the proposed Badagry Deep Seaport in Lagos State following a Memorandum of Understanding with Badagry Port Development Limited. The proposed port is expected to expand Nigeria’s deepwater capacity, accommodate larger container vessels and create opportunities for cargo handling and transshipment.
Nigerian ports recorded stronger activity in the first half of 2026. In Q1, cargo throughput rose 11.6% year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tonnes, while gross registered tonnage of ocean-going vessels increased 19.5% to 46.75 million tonnes. In Q2, cargo throughput increased 12.3% to 35.74 million metric tonnes, ocean-going vessel calls rose 14.4% to 1,201, and their gross registered tonnage increased 22.2% to 49.95 million tonnes.
Container traffic rose 11.3% to 602,392 twenty-foot equivalent units, while transshipment reached 29,038 TEUs compared with zero recorded in Q2 2025. The growth follows strong 2025 performance, when total cargo throughput rose 24.8% to 129.3 million metric tonnes and container traffic increased 25.7% to more than 2.1 million TEUs.
The FG has also moved to improve financing for indigenous participation in Nigeria’s maritime sector through the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). President Bola Tinubu approved disbursement of the fund, with Oyetola directing the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and 12 Primary Lending Institutions to fast-track the process. NIMASA received 92 applications, with 20 submitted for consideration and one reviewed and forwarded. The CVFF is structured to provide low-interest, long-term financing for eligible maritime operators and is expected to support indigenous participation in shipping and create more than 30,000 jobs. NIMASA valued the fund at about $700 million in 2025.
