The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved maritime infrastructure projects worth about ₦286 billion as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s ports, improve marine safety and unlock the potential of the country’s blue economy.
The approvals were granted on Monday during the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The projects include the acquisition of marine pollution control vessels, pilot cutter boats, firefighting vessels and the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the initiatives were designed to improve port operations, protect Nigeria’s marine environment and align the country’s maritime sector with international standards.
Lawal disclosed that the council approved the procurement of two advanced marine pollution control vessels valued at about ₦59.05 billion.
He said the vessels would help tackle plastic pollution, oil spills and other forms of marine waste across Nigeria’s territorial waters, creeks and inland waterways while improving environmental protection and navigational safety.
The council also approved the purchase of six pilot cutter boats estimated at ₦80.03 billion to support safe pilotage operations at Nigerian ports.
According to the minister, the boats would assist in transporting marine pilots to and from vessels, improve navigation through port channels and strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
To improve emergency response capabilities within the maritime sector, FEC approved two firefighting boats worth about ₦34.06 billion.
Lawal explained that the specialised vessels would boost Nigeria’s ability to respond quickly to fire incidents involving ships, oil terminals, jetties and other critical maritime facilities, thereby reducing risks to lives, property and the environment.
The largest component of the approval was the ₦112.85 billion capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel, which will be executed through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private-sector operators.
The minister said the dredging project would improve access to the channel by removing silt and underwater obstructions, maintaining navigational aids and strengthening marine pollution monitoring.
He added that the project would enhance vessel movement, reduce turnaround time at ports and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness as a major maritime hub in West Africa.
Lawal described the approved projects as strategic investments that would strengthen maritime security, protect coastal ecosystems and promote trade, investment and job creation within the blue economy sector.
He said the Federal Government remained committed to developing a modern, safe and environmentally sustainable maritime industry capable of supporting economic growth and expanding opportunities across Nigeria’s blue economy value chain.
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