Posted on July 1, 2026
Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects worth about N286 billion to modernize the country’s ports, improve navigational safety and support growth of the nation’s blue economy.
The projects, approved during a meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, include new marine pollution control vessels, pilot cutter boats, firefighting vessels and dredging of the Escravos Channel.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the investments are designed to improve port efficiency, strengthen maritime safety and align Nigeria’s infrastructure with international standards.
The council approved the purchase of two marine pollution control vessels valued at approximately N59.05 billion to help address oil spills, plastic pollution and other marine waste across Nigeria’s territorial waters, creeks and inland waterways.
It also approved the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats worth about N80.03 billion to improve pilotage services by transporting marine pilots safely to and from vessels entering Nigerian ports.
To enhance emergency response capabilities, the government approved the purchase of two firefighting boats valued at approximately N34.06 billion. The vessels will be used to respond to fires involving ships, oil terminals, jetties and other critical maritime infrastructure.
The largest project is the N112.85 billion capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel through a public-private partnership involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector operators. The project will improve navigational access by removing silt, maintaining navigation aids and strengthening marine pollution surveillance.
According to the government, the dredging project is expected to improve vessel turnaround times, increase port efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a maritime and shipping hub in West Africa.
Lawal said the investments demonstrate the government’s commitment to developing a modern, safe and environmentally sustainable maritime sector capable of supporting economic growth, facilitating international trade and creating new opportunities across the blue economy.
The approvals follow recent concerns raised by environmental experts that Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions could be constrained by weak maritime infrastructure, deteriorating coastal ecosystems and governance challenges. President Tinubu has pledged to create five million ocean-based jobs through investments in the country’s blue economy.
