Eastern Ports Set For Multi-billion-dollar Modernization As FG Begins Procurement.

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has initiated the procurement process for renovation and modernization projects targeting the Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne ports.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, through his Special Adviser Dr. Bolaji Akinola, also faulted recent remarks by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, which implied that the Federal Government’s $1 billion modernisation project for Apapa and TinCan Island ports in Lagos was the sole focus of its maritime agenda.

A ministry representative, Akinola, pushed back against recent statements by Peter Obi, clarifying that the government's ports modernization includes Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. He emphasized the government’s inclusive approach, which Obi's comments had misrepresented.

He added that the ministry is collaborating with state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports, including the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers, and a deep seaport in Cross River.

“Furthermore, the Onitsha River Port in Anambra, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), exemplifies the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralise port operations and expand maritime access beyond Lagos,” Akinola said.

While acknowledging the importance of modernising Lagos ports due to the age and scale of trade at Apapa and TinCan Island, he stressed that the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive is nationwide, aimed at strengthening the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner.

“These initiatives demonstrate a deliberate and strategic approach to strengthening Nigeria’s port network, improving logistics efficiency, and stimulating industrial and commercial growth across the federation,” Akinola added.