The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Sea Port in Bayelsa State, describing the project as a transformative maritime infrastructure initiative capable of driving investment, job creation, and economic growth across the Niger Delta region.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the proposed port remains a strategic priority under the Federal Government’s plan to expand maritime infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy.
According to the minister, the Agge Deep Sea Port aligns with the economic transformation agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at boosting trade, industrialisation, and sustainable development.
Oyetola noted that upon completion, the port will serve as a major maritime gateway in the South-South region, enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade while easing pressure on existing seaports.
“The Agge Deep Sea Port project is a critical component of our strategy to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen the nation’s competitiveness in regional and international trade. It will significantly contribute to job creation, economic development, and investment inflows into the Niger Delta region,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working closely with the Bayelsa State Government and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation of the project.
He explained that the deep-sea port would stimulate economic activities across key sectors including logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, maritime services, tourism, and transportation.
According to Oyetola, the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while attracting both domestic and foreign investments into the region.
He also commended Douye Diri for supporting the project and aligning the state’s development objectives with the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda.
Ministry Targets New Maritime Investments
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has unveiled plans to attract fresh investment into Nigeria’s maritime sector through a strategic partnership with Jaiz Bank Plc.
The collaboration is expected to provide financing for critical maritime infrastructure projects, inland waterways transportation, fisheries, aquaculture, and other strategic blue economy initiatives.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the marine and blue economy sector as highly capital-intensive and in need of substantial long-term financing to unlock its full potential.
She revealed that the ministry has explored international funding opportunities, including the assessment of a £1 billion financing facility in the United Kingdom, underscoring the scale of investment required to modernise Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
Mahmood said the ministry remains open to partnerships with financial institutions capable of delivering innovative financing solutions that will support large-scale projects and accelerate growth across Nigeria’s blue economy value chain.
Industry analysts believe the Agge Deep Sea Port project could become a major catalyst for regional development, strengthen Nigeria’s maritime trade capacity, and position the country as a leading player in Africa’s emerging blue economy.
