FG clears upgrade for Onne, Delta, Calabar ports to ease Lagos congestion
The federal government has approved the comprehensive modernization and upgrade of Onne (Rivers State), Delta ports (Warri, Koko, Sapele, Burutu), and Calabar (Cross River State) to expand Nigeria's maritime capacity and reduce cargo congestion around Lagos. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola announced the approval via a tweet on his official X account on Sunday, September 27, 2026, stating it follows earlier decisions to upgrade Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
This move aims to create additional gateways for international trade, improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, and strengthen regional connectivity. It complements ongoing investments in Lagos ports and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal and economic diversification agenda, which includes plans for new deep-seaports such as Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo, and Bonny.
Years of underuse have plagued Delta ports, while Calabar has faced persistent dredging challenges—issues the upgrade is expected to address. The government says it will work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, and shipping companies to ensure tangible improvements. Will these port upgrades successfully decongest Lagos corridors and stimulate investment in the South-South and South-East, or will bottlenecks persist without parallel upgrades to rail and road links?