MANAGING Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho announced the reconstruction of six berths at the Rivers Port Complex as part of infrastructure renewal to enhance operational efficiency and accommodate larger vessels.
Speaking at the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) conference, he emphasized that navigation channels are being deepened to facilitate bigger ship access, thus boosting cargo traffic and reducing reliance on road transportation.
Dantsoho addressed concerns about the neglect of Eastern Ports, asserting that the NPA is committed to their rehabilitation and modernization.
He highlighted the proximity of these ports to key markets and expressed optimism that ongoing projects will soon restore their strategic importance in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
What is more,ithe Federal Government has initiated counterpart funding to access a £746 million UK-backed loan for upgrading the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
The NPA has confirmed that contractors will soon begin work on-site, following the completion of necessary preliminary activities such as site investigations and borehole drilling.
The port modernization program has progressed from planning to active pre-construction, with key financing secured. While construction has not yet started, groundbreaking is anticipated soon.