The Federal Government is ramping up efforts to position Nigeria’s maritime sector as a key engine of economic growth, aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this commitment during an interactive session with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE in Lagos, highlighting the ministry’s ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects.
A major highlight of Oyetola’s address was the modernisation of Nigeria’s key ports which he revealed that the Federal Government has approved the award of contracts for the modernisation of the Western Ports, including the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa, and Tin Can Island Port Complex.
He noted that efforts to fast-track the procurement process for the modernisation of the Eastern Ports are underway.
He added that the projects will generate over 20,000 jobs, further reinforcing the maritime sector’s role in national prosperity.
The Minister said beyond modernisation, l government, is investing in new port projects across the country, including Badagry, Ilaje, Olokola, Agge, Ibaka, Burutu, Snake Island, and Bakassi Deep Seaports.
He said Inland trade is also receiving a boost with the commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina and operational support from Kaduna and Kano facilities, while similar projects in Abia, Plateau, and Borno are in various stages of completion.
Oyetola emphasised that recent policy reforms have led to a significant increase in export volumes, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics , NBS.
