The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising ports outside Lagos to strengthen maritime infrastructure, improve trade efficiency and stimulate economic growth across the country.
Oyetola gave the assurance on Friday at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said the modernisation programme was a critical component of the government’s blue economy agenda, aimed at expanding port capacity, improving operational efficiency and developing a more balanced network of maritime gateways across the federation.
The minister identified Onne, Warri and Calabar ports as key facilities covered by the modernisation drive, alongside ongoing efforts to improve operations at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to developing deep seaports in Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo.
“This is a deliberate effort to expand capacity, improve efficiency and build a more balanced national network of maritime gateways,” Oyetola said.
According to him, the ministry’s broader vision is to establish effective connections between seaports, inland dry ports and production centres through an integrated multimodal transport network comprising roads, railways and inland waterways.
“By linking our seaports to Inland Dry Ports and production centres through an integrated multimodal network of road, rail and inland waterways, we are bringing cargo closer to producers and consumers, reducing haulage costs, easing pressure on Lagos, strengthening exports and stimulating industrial and logistics clusters across the Federation,” he said.
Oyetola stressed that the country’s maritime development strategy extended beyond coastal communities, noting that inland ports and waterways, including Onitsha and Baro, were vital to connecting businesses and production centres to national and international markets.
He said the government was collaborating with relevant agencies and investors to ensure that its port development plans translated into functional infrastructure, efficient cargo handling, navigable channels and reliable transport connections.
The minister also highlighted the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, as a significant step towards strengthening economic regulation, promoting fair competition and improving service delivery across the port system.
He maintained that sustained investment in port infrastructure and improved connectivity would reduce logistics costs, attract investment, boost exports and create employment opportunities across different regions.
The 2026 World Maritime Day celebration attracted maritime industry leaders, heads of government agencies, lawmakers and other stakeholders.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.
