Tinubu Government approves new deep seaports as Oyetola reveals $27bn maritime expansion plan
Adegboyega Oyetola
The Federal Government has approved the development of additional deep seaports across Nigeria in a major push to strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure, improve cargo handling capacity, and position Nigeria as the leading logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during the mid-year session of the Board of Directors of the Ports Management Authority of West and Central Africa held in Lagos.
The latest move comes amid growing investments in the regional maritime sector, with over $27 billion worth of port projects currently ongoing or recently announced across West and Central Africa.
Oyetola Says New Deep Seaports Will Boost Nigeria’s Trade Capacity
Speaking at the event, Oyetola explained that the newly approved deep seaports are expected to complement existing facilities, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a preferred maritime destination for regional and international trade.
According to the minister, the development aligns with the economic agenda of President , which focuses on infrastructure expansion, trade facilitation, and blue economy growth.
Oyetola noted that Nigeria is not only building new ports but also modernising existing facilities through infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation initiatives, and channel deepening projects designed to accommodate larger vessels.
He said the reforms are already helping to reduce logistics bottlenecks at key ports while improving cargo evacuation and vessel turnaround time.
The minister added that the government’s efforts are creating a more predictable and investor-friendly business environment for port users, shipping companies, and international logistics operators.
Nigeria Pushes to Become West Africa’s Maritime and Logistics Hub
The Federal Government’s latest maritime expansion strategy is part of a broader plan to transform Nigeria into the dominant trade and logistics gateway for West and Central Africa.
Industry experts believe the development of additional deep seaports could significantly increase cargo throughput, reduce congestion at older ports such as Apapa and Tin Can Island, and attract more international shipping traffic into Nigerian waters.
Oyetola stressed that strengthening maritime infrastructure remains critical to improving supply chain resilience and boosting regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He also highlighted the importance of the National Single Window initiative, a digital integration platform expected to simplify cargo clearance procedures and reduce delays caused by manual port operations.
According to him, digitalisation and inter-agency collaboration are already improving transparency and operational efficiency within Nigeria’s port system.
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$27 Billion Maritime Investment Reshaping West and Central Africa
During the conference, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantosho, disclosed that maritime infrastructure investments across the sub-region have surpassed $27 billion.
Some of the major projects highlighted include:
- The $20 billion Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea
- The $2 billion Port San Pedro project in Côte d’Ivoire
- The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port project in Lagos
- The $1.2 billion Ndayane Port project in Senegal
- Additional investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports
Dantsoho explained that ports in the region must evolve beyond traditional cargo handling centres into drivers of blue economy development, including marine biotechnology, aquaculture, renewable marine energy, and coastal tourism.
Maritime Security Improves as FG Expands Deep Blue Project
Oyetola also stated that Nigeria’s maritime security architecture has improved significantly due to the implementation of the Deep Blue Project.
According to the minister, piracy incidents in Nigerian waters and across the Gulf of Guinea have reduced drastically, helping to restore investor confidence and improve the attractiveness of Nigeria’s shipping corridor.
Security improvements are expected to support increased trade volumes as more international shipping companies consider Nigeria a safer destination for maritime operations.
The minister urged stakeholders across West and Central Africa to strengthen regional cooperation in tackling challenges such as port congestion, climate-related risks, digital transformation, and maritime security threats.
Lagos Remains Critical to Nigeria’s Maritime Economy
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described Lagos as the backbone of Nigeria’s international trade system.
He noted that the Lagos port corridor, including Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Lekki ports, handles a substantial portion of Nigeria’s imports and exports.
Osiyemi added that improving port efficiency and logistics infrastructure remains essential to supporting businesses, attracting investors, and unlocking the full economic potential of the maritime sector.
The conference attracted more than 350 maritime stakeholders, trade facilitators, and logistics industry leaders from across Africa, highlighting growing confidence in Nigeria’s maritime future.
FAQ
What did Oyetola announce about Nigeria’s ports?
Adegboyega Oyetola announced that the Federal Government has approved the development of additional deep seaports across Nigeria to strengthen maritime infrastructure and improve trade operations.
Why is Nigeria building new deep seaports?
Nigeria is expanding its seaport infrastructure to reduce congestion, improve cargo handling capacity, attract larger vessels, strengthen regional trade, and position the country as a logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
What are deep seaports?
Deep seaports are ports designed to accommodate large cargo ships with deeper drafts. They improve international trade efficiency by allowing bigger vessels to dock and unload goods directly.
Which existing ports are being upgraded in Nigeria?
The government said existing ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, are undergoing upgrades such as channel deepening, infrastructure modernisation, and digital transformation.
What is the Deep Blue Project?
The Deep Blue Project is Nigeria’s maritime security initiative aimed at combating piracy, armed robbery, and maritime crimes in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
How much is being invested in West African ports?
According to the Nigerian Ports Authority, more than $27 billion worth of maritime and port infrastructure projects are ongoing or recently announced across West and Central Africa.
What is the role of the Nigerian Ports Authority?
The Nigeria Ports Authority manages and regulates Nigeria’s seaports, ensuring efficient cargo operations, port development, and maritime trade facilitation.
What is PMAWCA?
Ports Management Authority of West and Central Africa is a regional maritime organisation that promotes cooperation, development, and operational efficiency among ports in West and Central Africa.
How will the new seaports benefit Nigerians?
The new ports are expected to create jobs, boost imports and exports, improve supply chain efficiency, reduce shipping costs, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
What is the National Single Window initiative?
The National Single Window initiative is a digital platform designed to streamline cargo clearance and integrate port operations with government agencies to reduce delays and improve transparency.