The federal government of Nigeria has again assured of a timely completion of the stalled $3 billion deep-seaport project in the Agge of southern Bayelsa state for maritime trade operations.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s minister of marine and blue economy, stated this during a marine safety visit to distribute life jackets to waterways users in the state’s capital.
The minister disclosed that the ministry was working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Agge Deep Seaport becomes a reality in record time, stressing that the port will open up the region to improved trade operations and investment opportunities.
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The project, which has experience various levels of delays since conception several years ago brings together the Bayelsa State government, federal authorities, and private investors in a public-private partnership. It aims to reduce overcrowding at Nigeria’s existing ports while bringing jobs and economic growth to the region.
Timeline of the Agge seaport project plans
In 2017, Seriake Dickson, then Bayelsa State governor formally announced plans to develop the Agge Deep Seaport as part of efforts to open up the state’s coastline and boost regional trade. That year, the state government acquired 15,000 hectares of land in Ekeremor Local Government Area and inaugurated a 14-member project implementation committee to drive the development process.
Between 2018 and 2019, work on technical and commercial feasibility studies commenced, with the government engaging stakeholders and marketing the project to attract potential investors. These early efforts were aimed at establishing a solid groundwork for what was envisioned as a strategic infrastructure project in the Niger Delta.
By 2020, as Dickson’s administration came to an end, no physical construction had begun, though planning and preparatory activities had taken place. His successor, Douye Diri, inherited the project amid shifting political and economic conditions.
From 2021 to 2023, progress on the project stalled publicly, but background discussions between the state government and federal authorities continued. The tide began to turn in mid-2023 following the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under President Bola Tinubu, which re-energised interest in Agge as part of Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
In early 2024, Governor Diri stepped up engagement with the federal government to revive the seaport initiative. The project was repositioned as a potential regional logistics hub, with promises of job creation and improved maritime connectivity through a free trade zone.
Momentum picked up in February 2025 when Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, led a delegation to Bayelsa. The federal team met with state officials to discuss project structure, delivery timelines, and technical coordination. The project was reaffirmed as a $3 billion public-private partnership, now covering 7,000 hectares, slightly smaller than originally planned.
As of May 2025, physical construction is yet to commence, but the project is now in its final pre-construction phase, with both federal and state governments showing strong commitment to breaking ground soon.
An untapped potential
According to Oyetola, the Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, creating jobs, boosting investments, and accelerating development in the Niger Delta.
Similar deep-sea ports are being developed in Badagry, Ondo, Ibom, and Bonny. Last October, the government launched a new inland dry port in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, for improved logistics.
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He added that the port will also open up new frontiers in logistics, fisheries, ship-building, and tourism.
Bayelsa shares a border with Rivers State, which is home to Onne Port. The state is the first coastal state to create its own Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“The Agge Deep Seaport is not only important to Bayelsa. It will not only open the gateway to Bayelsa, but also open the gateway to the Nigerian economy in several ways,” the minister said, citing potential for logistics, fisheries, ship-building, and tourism.
While the exact timeline for completion hasn’t been announced, the government offers stakeholders assurance of meeting set targets.
