The Federal Government has approved plans to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure with six new deep seaports and the modernisation of four existing ports outside Lagos, as rising cargo traffic increases pressure on the country’s port network.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approvals on Sunday, saying the programme was designed to spread port activity across the country and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos.
The ports approved for comprehensive modernisation are Onne Port and Rivers Port in Rivers State, Delta Port in Delta State and Calabar Port in Cross River State.
The six proposed deep seaports are located in Ibom, Akwa Ibom State; Bakassi, Cross River State; Agge, Bayelsa State; Gateway, Ogun State; Ondo, Ondo State; and Bonny, Rivers State.
Oyetola said the initiative would build on the ongoing upgrades at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, while creating a wider network capable of handling increasing volumes of imports, exports and transshipment.
The move comes as Nigerian ports continue to record growth in activity. Cargo throughput rose by 12.3 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026 to 35.74 million metric tonnes, while container traffic increased by 11.3 per cent to 602,392 twenty-foot equivalent units.
Ocean-going vessel calls also climbed by 14.4 per cent to 1,201 during the quarter, with their gross registered tonnage rising by 22.2 per cent to 49.95 million tonnes.
According to Oyetola, expanding capacity beyond Lagos would help reduce cargo congestion and make the movement of goods across the country faster and more affordable. The government also plans to connect ports with roads, railways and inland waterways as part of an integrated transport system.
The Federal Government is separately pursuing the proposed Badagry Deep Seaport in Lagos. Discussions are ongoing with APM Terminals following a memorandum of understanding with Badagry Port Development Limited. The project is expected to accommodate larger container ships and support cargo handling and transshipment.
Beyond infrastructure, the government is seeking to increase Nigerian participation in the maritime industry through improved access to finance. President Bola Tinubu has approved the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and 12 lending institutions directed to accelerate the process.
NIMASA received 92 applications under the financing scheme, with 20 forwarded for consideration and one reviewed and submitted.
The fund provides eligible maritime operators with access to low-interest, long-term financing. The government expects it to strengthen local participation in shipping and generate more than 30,000 jobs.
Oyetola said Nigeria’s location, large market and maritime resources give it the potential to become a major maritime hub, provided the necessary infrastructure and investment environment are developed.
