Nigeria has approved 286 billion naira (US$207.35 million) for port infrastructure upgrades and maritime security projects aimed at improving efficiency, reducing logistics costs and strengthening the country’s blue economy.
The funding, announced according to local media reports citing Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, will support the acquisition of marine equipment, dredging operations and emergency response infrastructure across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.
A key component of the investment is the purchase of six pilot boats to improve vessel assistance services and support marine pilots operating in Nigerian ports.
The programme also includes dredging and maintenance work on the Escravos channel through a public-private partnership involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector operators.
Additional funds will be used to acquire two marine pollution-control vessels and two specialised boats for firefighting and emergency response operations. The equipment is expected to improve Nigeria’s ability to respond to incidents involving ships, oil terminals, jetties and other critical maritime infrastructure.
More Read
Authorities said the projects are designed to enhance maritime safety, strengthen environmental protection and improve the overall performance of Nigeria’s port system.
The investment forms part of a wider government strategy to modernise ports, increase competitiveness and support the growth of the maritime economy.
Nigeria is also planning a US$1 billion upgrade of its major port platforms as part of efforts to expand capacity and improve trade infrastructure. The broader National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy includes plans for new ports in areas such as Badagry, Ilaje, Olokola, Agge, Ibaka, Burutu, Snake Island and Bakassi, alongside the development of inland dry ports.
More Read
The government is also pursuing reforms aimed at improving the logistics chain, including the introduction of a port single window system and a digital platform to centralise and automate interactions among port operators and service providers.
Officials expect these reforms to reduce delays and lower logistics costs that have affected Nigeria’s foreign trade competitiveness.
However, the country’s port sector continues to face major challenges, including congestion caused by ageing infrastructure, increasing cargo volumes and rising demand linked to population growth.
Analysts say the success of the programme will depend not only on the delivery of planned infrastructure investments but also on the speed of operational reforms, improved coordination among agencies and full adoption of digital systems across the port network.
