Uche Cecil Izuora
Nigeria has approved the modernization of four ports outside Lagos, including Onne and Rivers ports in Rivers State, as well as Delta and Calabar ports.
Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola who announced this said the decision follows an earlier approval to modernize Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The government aims to develop a more balanced port network by creating additional gateways for international trade and reducing the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos.
The work will focus on upgrading infrastructure and improving operational efficiency. Oyetola said the upgrades should improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity. The amount of investment, the timetable for the work and the additional capacity expected from the upgrades were not disclosed.
The four ports already handle substantial cargo, but activity remains heavily concentrated at Onne. In 2017, they processed nearly 37 million tons of cargo, with Onne accounting for 26.05 million tons, or about 70% of the total. Delta handled 5.20 million tons, Rivers 3.54 million tons and Calabar 2.19 million tons.
The modernization plan also comes amid concerns over the underuse of eastern ports. In August 2026, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council said low utilization of Onne, Calabar and Port Harcourt was raising logistics costs and limiting supply-chain efficiency. The government is seeking to address that imbalance by improving infrastructure outside Lagos and directing more cargo through alternative ports