FG APPROVES UPGRADE OF FOUR MAJOR PORTS

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The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval, saying the initiative would complement the previously approved modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

According to Oyetola, extending the programme to ports outside Lagos is intended to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around the commercial centre while creating additional gateways for international trade.

He said the upgrades would improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.

The minister said the four ports play important roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development, adding that the government intends to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.

The approval forms part of a broader plan to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity through the modernisation of existing ports and development of new deep seaports.

The Federal Government is also facilitating the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.

Oyetola said the ministry would work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects improve the country’s marine and logistics infrastructure.