The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of Calabar Port in Cross River State, alongside Onne, Rivers and Delta ports, in a move aimed at strengthening maritime infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities across the South-South region.
The approval was announced by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Sunday, with the Federal Government saying the initiative is part of efforts to develop a more balanced, efficient and competitive national port system.
According to the minister, extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos is expected to reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Apapa and Tin Can Island ports while creating additional gateways for international trade.
For Calabar, the development could strengthen the city's role in regional trade and logistics, particularly as the Federal Government continues to pursue wider maritime infrastructure development in the South-South.
Oyetola said the upgraded ports are expected to improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.
The minister also said the Federal Government's broader vision is to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system where ports work together with roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure to facilitate smoother movement of cargo.
The modernisation of Calabar Port also comes as Cross River continues to pursue major transportation and maritime projects aimed at positioning the state as a regional economic and logistics hub.
Earlier this month, the Federal Government endorsed a proposal for an Uyo-Calabar railway corridor terminating at the state's deep seaport. The proposed rail link is expected to provide a direct connection for passengers and cargo while strengthening regional trade and reducing logistics costs.
The Federal Government has also approved the development of the Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River, alongside other proposed deep seaports including Ibom, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny.
The combination of the Calabar Port modernisation, the proposed Uyo-Calabar rail connection and the Bakassi Deep Seaport represents a broader expansion of maritime and transport infrastructure around Cross River.
The Federal Government said it would continue working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the approved projects translate into tangible improvements in the marine and blue economy.
For Cross River, the expected impact extends beyond the port itself, with improved maritime infrastructure potentially supporting trade, logistics, investment, industrial activity and employment across the state.
The latest approval therefore places Calabar among the South-South ports targeted for a new phase of federal infrastructure investment as Nigeria seeks to expand its maritime capacity and reduce overdependence on Lagos as the country's dominant cargo gateway.
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