The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed the commencement of the procurement process for the comprehensive modernization of the Eastern Ports.
Oyetola, who disclosed this recently against the backdrop of accusations that the federal government deliberately made the Eastern Ports non commercially viable in order not to compete with Lagos ports, said the revitalization of the Eastern ports was aimed at revitalising port infrastructure, enhancing operational capacity and attracting greater commercial activity to the region.
According to the minister, Onne Port now receives container vessels of comparable size to those that berth at Lagos ports.
He, however, stated that the transformation was a deliberate government action aimed at repositioning the port as a competitive alternative in the nation’s shipping landscape.
“No responsible government sets out to undermine projects that hold the promise of long-term benefits for its people. The policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu are firmly anchored in a vision of inclusive economic growth, driven by diversification, sectoral revitalisation, and the overarching goal of improving the lives and livelihoods of all Nigerians.
“In line with this objective, we have commenced the procurement process for the comprehensive modernisation of the Eastern Ports, aimed at revitalising port infrastructure, enhancing operational capacity, and attracting greater commercial activity to the region.
“Also, one of the eastern ports, Onne Port in Rivers State, now receives container vessels of comparable size to those that berth at the ports in Lagos. This transformation is not coincidental; it is the direct result of deliberate government action aimed at repositioning the port as a competitive alternative in the nation’s shipping landscape,” the minister stated.
He argued further that to make the Eastern port viable, the government is reconstructing the East-West road to ease the inland movement of cargo from the port to the hinterlands.
“Today, Onne Port stands equipped and ready to compete for vessel traffic, offering Shippers and operators greater flexibility and efficiency. Complementing this is the ongoing reconstruction of the East-West Road, a critical infrastructure project that will greatly ease the inland movement of cargo from the port and facilitate seamless trade across the region.
“Together, these efforts speak to a broader commitment which is to unlock the full potential of our port infrastructure in all parts of the country, to decentralise economic activity, and ensure that the benefits of national development are more evenly distributed.
“The path to prosperity requires intentionality – and we are treading that path with focus, diligence, and the resolve to deliver tangible results for our people,” he stated.
