FG approves new deep seaports to boost maritime trade, logistics

The Federal Government has approved the development of additional deep seaports across the country as part of efforts to strengthen maritime trade, improve logistics efficiency and position Nigeria as the leading trade hub in West and Central Africa.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed this on Monday while declaring open the Mid-Year Session of the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa in Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, special Adviser to the minister, The meeting, themed “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development,” brought together maritime stakeholders from across the sub-region.

Oyetola said the approvals for new deep seaports were aimed at complementing existing infrastructure, strengthening supply chain resilience and reinforcing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector.

“Approvals have therefore been granted for the development of additional deep seaports across the country to complement existing infrastructure, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as the preferred maritime and logistics hub for West and Central Africa,” the minister said.

He stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to modernising the nation’s ports through infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation and improved operational efficiency.

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According to him, coordinated policy reforms and stronger inter-agency collaboration had significantly reduced logistics bottlenecks at major seaports, leading to improved cargo evacuation and reduced vessel waiting time.

“These efforts have contributed to improved cargo evacuation, reduced vessel waiting time, greater operational efficiency, and a more predictable business environment for port users and investors,” he added.

Oyetola described the Federal Government’s National Single Window initiative as a landmark reform designed to streamline cargo clearance processes through digital integration of government agencies and port operations.

He further disclosed that existing seaports would undergo comprehensive upgrades, including channel deepening, to attract larger vessels and support increased trade volumes.

“These upgrades are critical to ensuring that our ports remain globally competitive and capable of supporting larger volumes of trade in the years ahead,” he said.

On maritime security, the minister said the implementation of the Deep Blue Project had eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters and drastically reduced maritime crimes across the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, the achievement had restored investor confidence and strengthened the region’s attractiveness as a secure maritime corridor for international commerce.

Oyetola also urged delegates at the meeting to promote initiatives that would strengthen logistical resilience in port operations and regional supply chains while advancing sustainable port management, innovation, digital transformation and inclusive community development.

In his welcome address, Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and President of PMAWCA, said West and Central Africa was witnessing a major resurgence in maritime infrastructure investment, with more than $27 billion worth of port projects underway or recently announced across the region.

Dantsoho cited key projects including the $20 billion Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea, the $2 billion Port San Pedro project in Côte d’Ivoire and the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.

He also highlighted ongoing investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, alongside a $600 million investment by APM Terminals.

According to him, ports in West and Central Africa must evolve beyond their traditional role as cargo gateways to become drivers of broader blue economy growth through renewable marine energy, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology.