Nigeria approves upgrades for four ports beyond Lagos

Nigeria’s federal government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola said. The approval adds four ports outside Lagos to an effort that previously received approval for work at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. Oyetola announced the decision in a statement issued through his media adviser. The reports provide no project budgets, schedules, procurement details or implementation plans, and do not include separate confirmation from port authorities or operators. The minister said upgrading ports beyond Lagos is intended to ease the concentration of cargo traffic around the city by providing additional gateways for international trade. He said improved infrastructure and equipment at the four ports would increase cargo-handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround times and lower the cost of moving goods. These are stated objectives and anticipated benefits; the announcement does not establish that upgrades have begun or that the outcomes have been achieved.