The Federal Government has confirmed that approvals, certifications, and regulatory compliance processes have been completed for five proposed deep-sea port projects across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure and boost trade capacity.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, during a three-day meeting of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) held in Lagos.
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.
Dantsoho explained that while formal approvals and regulatory processes have been concluded, discussions with investors are still ongoing due to the large capital requirements involved in deep-sea port development.
He noted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector and reduce the significant volume of cargo destined for the country that currently passes through other African ports.
According to him, Nigeria handles over 70% of cargo traffic in West and Central Africa, with neighbouring landlocked countries such as Niger, Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso also relying on Nigerian ports for access to global trade routes.
He said the new deep-sea ports will enhance the country’s capacity to receive larger vessels, improve trade efficiency, and support long-term economic growth.
Dantsoho added that the government is simultaneously working on short-, medium-, and long-term reforms, including the rehabilitation of existing ports, digital transformation of port operations, and expansion of maritime infrastructure.
He also highlighted regional efforts across West and Central Africa, noting that countries such as Ghana, Senegal, and Benin Republic are modernising their port systems to remain competitive in global shipping.
The PMAWCA President emphasized the need for African ports to adopt technology-driven systems such as the National Single Window and Port Community Systems to improve cargo clearance and reduce delays.
He warned that failure to modernise port infrastructure could weaken the region’s competitiveness in global trade.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, also reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation and sustained investment in maritime infrastructure to drive economic development across the sub-region.
