FG approves five deep-sea port projects to expand maritime trade

The federal government has completed all approvals, certifications, and compliance procedures for five proposed deep-sea port projects as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector and reclaim a larger share of cargo traffic in West and Central Africa.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed that the approved projects include the Badagry Deep Sea Port in Lagos State, Olokola Deep Sea Port in Ondo State, Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Cross River State, and Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State.

According to a report by The Guardian Nigeria newspaper, Dantsoho made the announcement at the conclusion of the three-day meeting of Managing Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), member ports, and the Port Statisticians Network held in Lagos.

According to him, while discussions with prospective investors are still ongoing due to the large financial commitments required, the Federal Government has already completed the necessary regulatory and administrative processes needed to commence implementation.

“In terms of approvals, certifications, and compliance issues, we have taken care of five different deep-sea ports in Nigeria,” Dantsoho said.

He explained that the projects are expected to expand Nigeria’s capacity to handle larger cargo vessels, improve trade efficiency, and strengthen logistics operations across the region.

Dantsoho noted that Nigeria currently accounts for more than 70 per cent of cargo traffic in the West and Central African sub-region, adding that neighbouring landlocked countries including Niger, Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso also rely partly on Nigerian ports for international trade access.

He stated that the government is implementing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to improve port operations, including the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, deployment of technology-driven systems, and development of new deep-sea ports.