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.

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Peter Obi, former governor and presidential candidate, has urged the Federal Government to decentralize port development beyond Lagos following its approval of $1 billion (about N1.5 trillion) for the modernization of Apapa and TinCan Island Ports.

In a statement on X, Obi said while upgrading Lagos ports is a positive step, continued concentration of port projects in the state leads to congestion, high logistics costs, and economic imbalance.

He noted that ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne remain underutilized despite their potential to boost trade, create jobs, and ease pressure on Lagos. Obi added that true economic progress requires equitable infrastructure development across all regions.

Citing global models like Vietnam and South Africa, he stressed that countries with decentralized port systems enjoy better logistics and balanced growth. He also called for reforms to curb corruption, reduce bureaucracy, and promote a paperless port system to boost competitiveness.

Obi concluded that if managed transparently, the Lagos port modernization could serve as a model for nationwide maritime reform and support Nigeria’s shift toward a production-driven economy.

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched the $410 million Omi-Eko Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at turning the state’s waterways into key channels of economic growth and sustainable transport.

Speaking at the official launch in Lagos on Friday, Sanwo-Olu said the project would transform the city’s waterways “from barriers of separation into corridors of opportunity.” He described the initiative as part of a broader vision to create a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient transport system across Lagos.

The Omi-Eko Project, meaning Water of Lagos, marks a major step in the state’s transportation evolution. It aims to ease road congestion, promote clean energy, and connect communities more effectively through a modern water mobility ecosystem.

“This project merges technology, environmental stewardship, and smart design to create a transport network that is efficient, inclusive, and green,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Our goal is clear: a Lagos where movement is seamless, air is cleaner, and waterways open up new opportunities rather than divide communities.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Damilola Emmanuel, described the Omi-Eko Project as Africa’s largest inland waterways investment. He said it would deploy over 70 hybrid-electric ferries, upgrade 20 jetties and terminals, and dredge 15 water routes to ensure safer, faster transportation.

He acknowledged support from international partners including the Agence Française de Développement, the European Investment Bank, and the European Union, noting that the project represents the realization of Lagos’ long-term blue economy master plan.

“This is no longer a dream; Lagos is living the dream,” Emmanuel said. “The Omi-Eko Project will help build a water-based economy that benefits everyone, from operators to investors to citizens.”

European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, noted that the project aligns with the Abidjan-Lagos Transport Corridor under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. He said the initiative will reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 41,000 tonnes and save commuters an average of three hours during peak travel.

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, hailed the project as a testament to Nigeria-France cooperation, adding that the electric ferries would thrive amid rising sea levels while cutting carbon emissions.

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