FG Says $1bn Lagos Port Upgrade Part Of Nationwide Modernisation Plan

The Federal Government has clarified that the ongoing $1 billion modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos is part of a comprehensive nationwide port upgrade strategy — not a Lagos-only initiative as recently suggested by a former Governor Peter Obi.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, explained that while the Lagos ports represent the most capital-intensive component, similar modernisation projects are underway in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne.

He added that the government is also collaborating with state governments and private investors to establish new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River States.

According to Oyetola, the Federal Government’s goal is to decentralise port operations, improve logistics efficiency, and expand Nigeria’s maritime access beyond Lagos. He said the Onitsha River Port in Anambra, managed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), exemplifies this commitment by boosting commercial activity along the inland waterways.

“These efforts reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks balanced, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across all regions,” the minister stated.

Oyetola reaffirmed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains focused on ensuring transparent and equitable maritime governance, adding that the reforms are designed to position Nigeria as a major player in global maritime trade.

He noted that the port modernisation initiative represents one of the government’s most ambitious infrastructure transformations, aimed at creating efficient, secure, and globally competitive maritime gateways for national development.