By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
The Federal Government on Monday announced the approval of maritime infrastructure and safety projects valued at approximately ₦286 billion as part of efforts to enhance port operations, strengthen maritime safety, and safeguard Nigeria’s marine environment.
The approvals were granted during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the Council approved four strategic projects aimed at modernising the country’s maritime infrastructure, improving operational efficiency at the nation’s ports, and reinforcing the protection of Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.
He said the Council approved the procurement of two marine pollution control vessels valued at about ₦59.05 billion to combat plastic pollution and other marine waste across Nigeria’s territorial waters, creeks, and inland waterways, while enhancing environmental sustainability and navigational safety.
The Council also approved the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats worth about ₦80.03 billion to facilitate the safe movement of marine pilots to and from vessels, support ship navigation through port channels, and strengthen operational coordination with the Nigerian Ports Authority.
In addition, FEC approved the procurement of two firefighting boats valued at about ₦34.06 billion (approximately $16.462 million) to bolster emergency response capabilities for fires involving vessels, oil terminals, jetties, and other critical port infrastructure.
The minister further disclosed that FEC also approved ₦112.85 billion for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel under a public–private partnership involving the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and private-sector operators.
He explained that the initiative is designed to improve navigational access, clear channel obstructions, strengthen marine pollution surveillance, maintain critical navigational aids, and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of maritime operations in accordance with international best practices.
According to the minister, the four approved projects represent a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime sector and are expected to bolster navigational safety, improve port efficiency, protect the marine ecosystem, and unlock greater economic opportunities within the country’s growing blue economy.
