The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects worth about ₦286 billion aimed at improving port operations, strengthening maritime safety and protecting Nigeria’s marine environment.
The approvals were granted on Monday during the Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Briefing State House correspondents on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the Council approved four major projects designed to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, enhance port efficiency and support the growth of the blue economy.
Lawal disclosed that the largest approval was ₦112.85 billion for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel through a public-private partnership involving the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and a consortium comprising China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, Dudley Engineering and Register Global Construction.
He said the project will cover hydraulic surveys, capital and maintenance dredging, removal of channel obstructions and the maintenance of navigational aids to improve vessel access, reduce ship turnaround time and enhance the efficiency of Nigerian ports.
The Council also approved the procurement of two marine pollution control vessels valued at about ₦59.05 billion to combat plastic waste, oil spills and other pollutants across Nigeria’s territorial waters, creeks and inland waterways, while strengthening environmental protection and navigation safety.
In addition, FEC approved the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats worth about ₦80.03 billion to transport marine pilots safely to and from vessels, assist ships navigating port channels and improve pilotage operations in collaboration with the NPA.
To enhance emergency response capabilities, the Council approved the purchase of two firefighting boats at a cost of about ₦34.06 billion (approximately $16 million) for rapid response to fires involving ships, oil terminals, jetties, waterfront facilities and other port infrastructure.
Lawal said the four projects form part of the Federal Government’s strategy to modernise Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, improve port competitiveness, safeguard the marine ecosystem and unlock greater economic opportunities under the country’s blue economy agenda.
He added that the approvals were part of a broader package of infrastructure projects cleared by the Council, including road and aviation initiatives, aimed at addressing transport and trade bottlenecks across the country.
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