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Federal Government Rolls Out Comprehensive Plan to Complete Nine New Seaports and Upgrade Existing Ones

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 5th, 2025.

Federal Government Rolls Out Comprehensive Plan to Complete Nine New Seaports and Upgrade Existing Ones

In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s maritime landscape, the Federal Government has launched a new strategy under its National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy aimed at fast-tracking the completion of nine new seaports while modernising existing port infrastructure nationwide.

The policy, unveiled in Lagos and made available to The Guardian, outlines a sweeping vision to reduce port congestion, attract greater investment, and establish Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

Currently, Nigeria operates seven major seaports: Apapa, Tin Can Island, Lekki Deep Seaport, Onne, Port Harcourt, Delta, and Calabar. The new initiative targets the development of nine additional ports, including:

Ibom Deep Seaport

Badagry Deep Seaport

Olokola Deep Seaport (Ogun)

Ondo Deep Seaport

Bonny Deep Seaport

Burutu Port

Benin Port

Bakassi Deep Seaport

Agge Deep Seaport

Plans are also underway for a river port in Lokoja and the establishment of four Inland Dry Ports in Erunmu (Oyo), Isiala Ngwa (Abia), Heipang (Plateau), and Jauri (Borno), along with the Snake Island Inland Port.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, emphasized that the government is prioritising the revitalisation of port infrastructure. He revealed that reconstruction contracts have been approved for both Apapa and Tin Can Island ports under the Western Port Rehabilitation Programme, while procurement processes are ongoing for upgrades in the Eastern Port corridor.

To improve operational efficiency and transparency, the government is deploying several digital tools including a Port Community System, an Electronic Call-Up System, and a unified One-Stop-Shop for port clearance and logistics.

“These efforts are not only intended to eliminate operational bottlenecks but also to restore investor trust and elevate Nigeria’s status as a central maritime gateway in the region,” Oyetola stated.

He added that the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy sets an ambitious growth target of 7% annually for the sector, unlocking untapped economic potential and

supporting sustainable development.