FG approves certification for five deep seaports

By Godwin Oritse

In a major push to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime economy, President Tinubu has approved certification and compliance procedures for five proposed deep seaport projects in five states, targeting the recovery of over 70 per cent of Nigerian-bound cargo currently handled by neighbouring African countries.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this last week during the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of 492 newly trained Advanced Combat Personnel and the Capability Presentation of the Deep Blue Project Task Group held at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks, Elele, Rivers State.

Speaking at the passing-out parade, Oyetola said the Federal Government’s approval of certification and compliance processes for five proposed deep seaport projects underscores its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and securing the nation’s position as a leading shipping and logistics hub in Africa.

The approval, the Minister said is expected to accelerate regulatory clearances and pave the way for the development of modern port infrastructure capable of handling large cargo vessels, reducing congestion at existing seaports and boosting international trade activities.

He explained that the initiative is also designed to reclaim over 70 per cent of Nigerian-bound cargo currently diverted to neighbouring African countries due to port capacity limitations, congestion, high turnaround time and inadequate infrastructure at some of the nation’s existing gateways.

Industry stakeholders believe the planned deep seaports will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, improve customs and cargo processing efficiency, attract foreign direct investment and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the maritime, transport and logistics sectors.

He said, “The projects are further expected to enhance regional trade competitiveness, lower the cost of doing business, improve export potential and support the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification agenda. Analysts say the development could reduce pressure on ports in Lagos while opening up new economic corridors in coastal states earmarked for the projects.

“With global shipping increasingly shifting towards larger vessels that require deeper draught channels, the proposed ports are seen as critical infrastructure needed to position Nigeria for future trade expansion and continental commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”

The approved deep seaports are Lagos— Badagry Deep Sea Port, Ondo — Olokola Deep Sea Port, Ibom Deep Sea Port, Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Cross Rivers State and Rivers State’s Bonny Deep Sea Port.

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