The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising ports outside Lagos as part of efforts to reduce logistics costs, improve cargo handling and stimulate economic activities across the country.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the assurance on Friday at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He identified Onne, Warri and Calabar ports as key facilities in the modernisation drive, which complements ongoing efforts at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

Oyetola also reiterated the government’s commitment to developing deep seaports at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo, saying the projects formed part of a broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and establish a more balanced network of ports.

“This is a deliberate effort to expand capacity, improve efficiency and build a more balanced national network of maritime gateways,” he said.

The minister explained that the ministry’s vision was to integrate seaports, inland dry ports and production centres through road, rail and inland waterways to facilitate cargo movement and reduce transportation costs.

According to him, improved connectivity would bring cargo closer to producers and consumers, ease pressure on Lagos ports, strengthen exports and stimulate industrial and logistics clusters across the country.

He stressed that the maritime development agenda extended beyond coastal communities, noting that inland ports and waterways, including Onitsha and Baro, were important to connecting businesses and production centres to domestic and international markets.

Oyetola said the government was working with relevant agencies and investors to ensure that its port development plans translated into functional infrastructure, efficient cargo handling, navigable channels and reliable transport connections.

He also highlighted the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen economic regulation, promote fair competition and improve service delivery across the port system.

The minister maintained that sustained investment in port infrastructure and improved transport connectivity would attract investment, support exports and create employment opportunities in different parts of the country.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.

The World Maritime Day celebration attracted maritime industry leaders, heads of government agencies, lawmakers and other stakeholders.