FG Clears Five Major Deep Seaport Projects for Investment, Development
By Erewunmi Peace
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has completed major approval, certification, and compliance processes for five proposed deep seaport projects across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime and trade sector.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, during a recent meeting of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) held in Lagos.
The approved deep seaport projects include:
- Badagry Deep Seaport — Lagos State
- Olokola Deep Seaport — Ondo State
- Ibom Deep Seaport — Akwa Ibom State
- Bakassi Deep Seaport — Cross River State
- Bonny Deep Seaport — Rivers State
According to the NPA, the projects have successfully passed key regulatory and compliance stages, positioning them for investment negotiations and further development under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
Nigeria has continued to face challenges linked to congestion, limited draft capacity, and aging infrastructure at major ports such as Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. As a result, a significant portion of Nigerian-bound cargo is often routed through neighboring countries including Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic before entering Nigeria by road.
Maritime experts believe the proposed deep seaports could help reverse the trend by accommodating larger vessels, reducing shipping delays, lowering logistics costs, and expanding regional trade opportunities.
The projects are also expected to stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and boost economic activities in coastal communities beyond Lagos.
Despite the approvals, the projects are not expected to commence immediate construction, as investors and project promoters are still expected to conclude financing arrangements and infrastructure planning.
Several of the deep seaport proposals have remained on the drawing board for years due to funding challenges, rail and road connectivity concerns, and other infrastructural limitations.
Industry analysts, however, describe the latest development as a significant step under Nigeria’s growing Blue Economy agenda, noting that successful completion of even a few of the projects could reshape the country’s logistics and maritime competitiveness within the next decade.
