FG kicks off port upgrade projects outside Lagos
The Federal Government has commenced port upgrade projects in states outside Lagos, as part of its efforts to boost maritime operations and economic growth. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue […]
The Federal Government has commenced port upgrade projects in states outside Lagos, as part of its efforts to boost maritime operations and economic growth.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria,” held in Lagos on Wednesday. The port upgrade projects are expected to increase efficiency, reduce congestion, and make Nigerian ports more competitive globally. Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Minister said the ongoing port modernisation drive is aimed at upgrading infrastructure, improving cargo handling efficiency, and expanding capacity to meet global standards.
“We are working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” Oyetola said.
“As part of this commitment, the Federal Government has approved a one billion US dollar modernisation project for the Lagos ports — a landmark initiative designed to upgrade infrastructure, improve cargo handling, and expand capacity to meet global standards.
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“In addition, the procurement process has commenced for similar modernisation projects at ports outside Lagos, to ensure balanced development across our maritime gateways.”
The Minister also revealed that the government has developed a comprehensive 10-year National Blue Economy Strategy to align maritime, fisheries, logistics, and coastal development policies within a unified, sustainable framework.
According to him, the Ministry is creating an enabling environment for private sector investment through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships (PPP), and targeted incentives aimed at driving innovation and job creation across the value chain.
Oyetola stressed that the Ministry’s overarching goal is to promote sustainable and inclusive growth — one that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity.
“Our goal is not growth for growth’s sake, but sustainable and inclusive growth — one that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity,” he said.
“Therefore, I urge CILT and its members to continue to champion the adoption of smart and green transport technologies; promote capacity building for young professionals and operators; advocate for data-driven planning in logistics management; and deepen collaboration with the Ministry and other stakeholders to align expertise with national priorities.”
In her opening remarks, the President of CILT Nigeria, Mfon Usoro, announced a 242 per cent increase in the Institute’s revenue over the past four years, reflecting the success of ongoing financial reforms and governance initiatives.
According to her, CILT’s revenue rose from N7.8 million in December 2021 to N55 million in the third quarter of 2025, while its liquid assets grew from N17 million in early 2022 to N123 million as of Q3 2025.
She attributed the growth to sound financial discipline, accountability, and strategic oversight, adding that all projects and expenditures now pass through the Finance, Budget, and Audit Committee for review.