Federal Government approves certification processes for five deep seaport projects to boost Nigeria’s maritime trade and reduce cargo diversion.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved certification and compliance processes for five proposed deep seaport projects across the country in a major move aimed at strengthening the nation’s maritime sector and reducing cargo diversion to neighboring African countries.
The approval is expected to improve Nigeria’s position as a leading shipping and logistics hub in West Africa while helping the country reclaim more than 70 percent of Nigerian-bound cargo currently transported through ports in other African nations.
The proposed deep seaports are strategically located across different coastal states to enhance regional trade, improve import and export activities, and attract foreign investment into the maritime industry.
The approved projects include:
1) Badagry Deep Sea Port in Lagos State
2) Olokola Deep Sea Port in Ondo State
3) Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State
4) Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Cross River State
5) Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State
Industry stakeholders believe the development could significantly transform Nigeria’s shipping and trade ecosystem by reducing congestion at existing ports, creating thousands of jobs, and increasing government revenue through maritime activities.
The Badagry Deep Sea Port project in Lagos is expected to complement existing port infrastructure and improve cargo handling capacity in the commercial hub of the country. Similarly, the Olokola Deep Sea Port is projected to boost industrial and export activities in the southwestern region.
In the South-South region, the Ibom, Bakassi, and Bonny deep seaport projects are expected to strengthen oil and gas logistics, regional commerce, and international trade operations while opening up new economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Economic analysts say the certification and compliance approval marks an important step toward modernizing Nigeria’s port system and positioning the country as a competitive player in global maritime trade.
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If fully developed and operational, the seaports could reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs and improve efficiency in the movement of goods into and out of Nigeria.
