FG Moves to Decongest Lagos Ports, Eyes Multimodal Link to Inland Dry Ports

By Stella Okocha 

The Federal Government has said it will reduce pressure on Lagos ports by expanding seaport capacity outside Lagos and linking seaports to inland dry ports and production centres through road, rail and inland waterways.

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

Oyetola said the modernisation of ports outside Lagos remains a critical component of the government’s blue economy agenda.

He listed Onne, Warri and Calabar ports as part of the ongoing modernisation programme, which complements developments at Apapa and Tin Can Island. He also said government remains committed to deep seaport projects at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo.

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

According to him, the Ministry’s broader vision is to bring cargo closer to producers and consumers while cutting logistics costs.

“By linking our seaports to Inland Dry Ports and production centres through an integrated multimodal network of road, rail and inland waterways, we are bringing cargo closer to producers and consumers, reducing haulage costs, easing pressure on Lagos, strengthening exports and stimulating industrial and logistics clusters across the Federation,” he said.

Oyetola stressed that Nigeria’s maritime development agenda extends beyond coastal communities, noting that inland ports and waterways, including Onitsha and Baro, are vital to connecting businesses and production centres to national and international markets.

He said government is working with relevant agencies and investors to ensure port development objectives translate into functional infrastructure, efficient cargo handling, navigable channels and dependable transport connections.

The minister also cited 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 event was attended by maritime industry leaders, heads of government agencies and lawmakers. 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.