Nigeria’s Eastern ports are fast emerging as powerful engines of growth for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), reshaping trade flows and strengthening the nation’s maritime competitiveness.
Reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and incentives under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho have positioned the ports as serious contenders to Lagos, unlocking long-neglected opportunities across the South-South and South-East.
The result is a historic turnaround. From once underutilized facilities, the Eastern ports are now projected to contribute significantly to the NPA’s record ₦1.28 trillion revenue target for 2025, up from ₦894.86 billion in 2024.
For decades, shipping in Nigeria meant Lagos first, while Eastern ports in Onne, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar operated far below capacity.
Poor infrastructure, shallow drafts, and insecurity kept shippers away, even though the ports sit closer to Nigeria’s vast agricultural belts and industrial hubs.
That story is changing. NPA’s reforms — including new tariffs, modernisation drives, and deliberate promotion of Eastern routes — have attracted fresh traffic.
Cargo owners are already seeing benefits such as shorter turnaround times, lower logistics costs, and better access to South-East and North-Central markets.
The landmark arrival of the Nigerian-owned MV Ocean Dragon at Onne in July 2025 symbolises the shift.
With a capacity of 349 TEUs, the vessel is now connecting Nigerian exporters to trade corridors across West, Central, and Southern Africa, reflecting the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy.
Dantsoho’s administration has been aggressive in repositioning the ports. Over $1.1 billion has been secured for rehabilitation projects across Onne, Rivers, Warri, and Calabar ports.
These projects include road integration at Onne’s Berths 9-11, new marine fenders, dredging to deepen draughts to 11 metres, and improved shore protection.
Security has also improved, with the Nigerian Navy and Air Force providing corridor patrols. Stakeholders note that piracy and attacks on vessels have dropped significantly, boosting investor confidence.
Tariff rebates and incentives have further encouraged shippers to divert cargoes from Lagos.
Major global players, including Hapag-Lloyd, now run direct weekly services from Onne, linking Eastern Nigeria to international routes and easing bottlenecks in Lagos.
The results are clear. Service boat gross registered tonnage in Eastern ports surged 129.3% to 4.58 million tonnes in 2024.
Export volumes have increased, with stakeholders reporting higher agricultural and mineral shipments.
Analysts say this progress will be key in supporting Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as efficient Eastern ports can serve as gateways for intra-African commerce.
Despite successes, challenges remain. The Onitsha River Port, which recently received its first barge for 2025, still suffers from inconsistent dredging of the River Niger.
Seasonal water levels mean it cannot operate all year round.
Maritime experts stress that without regular dredging, the port cannot serve as a reliable inland logistics hub.
This creates avoidable costs as cargoes must be re-routed by road, worsening highway congestion and raising transport prices.
Security concerns, shallow drafts, dilapidated berths, and poor access roads also continue to limit the growth potential of the Eastern axis.
Industry groups argue that with political will and private investment, these challenges are surmountable.
The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the completion of the long-abandoned Oguta River Port in Imo State, which is already 61% built.
The project, if revived, could handle 35% of Nigeria’s marine business and create over two million jobs, SEREC said.
Similarly, industry veteran Engr. Greg Ogbeifun disclosed that Afrexim Bank has committed $350 million to expand shipbuilding capacity at Starz Marine shipyard in Rivers State — a boost that could transform Nigeria into a hub for ship repair and construction.
Experts argue that the renewed focus on Eastern ports is more than just a revenue story; it is a pathway to diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
By reducing overdependence on Lagos, boosting exports, and cutting logistics costs, these reforms align with the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda.
“Efficient Eastern ports mean less strain on Lagos, better access for farmers and miners, and stronger trade under AfCFTA,” said maritime analyst Anthony Mayah.
“If Nigeria gets this right, the ports will be catalysts for industrial growth and regional integration.”
While challenges remain, the momentum around Eastern ports is undeniable.
The NPA’s multifaceted approach — combining investment, incentives, security, and partnerships — has set the region on a new trajectory.
If sustained, this shift could transform the ports of Onne, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar into thriving gateways, fuelling Nigeria’s ambition to become West Africa’s leading maritime and trade hub.