In a major move to modernize Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved a series of critical infrastructure and safety projects valued at approximately 286 billion naira. The approval, granted during a meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, is aimed at boosting port efficiency, safeguarding the marine environment, and unlocking the full potential of the country's blue economy. The approved projects, which focus on upgrading essential maritime equipment and channels, include: Dredging of the Escravos Channel: 112.85 billion naira has been allocated for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel. This project, which will be executed under a public-private partnership between the Nigerian Ports Authority and private operators, is designed to clear obstructions, improve navigational access, and increase vessel turnaround times. Acquisition of Pilot Cutter Boats: Six state-of-the-art pilot cutter boats, valued at about 80.03 billion naira, will be procured to facilitate the safe movement of marine pilots. These vessels are expected to support ship navigation through port channels and strengthen operational coordination with the Nigerian Ports Authority. Marine Pollution Control Vessels: The Council approved 59.05 billion naira for the procurement of two advanced marine pollution control vessels. These ships will be tasked with combating plastic pollution, oil spills, and other waste across Nigeria's territorial waters, creeks, and inland waterways to ensure environmental sustainability. Firefighting Vessels: To bolster emergency response capabilities, 34.06 billion naira (approximately 16 million dollars) was approved for the purchase of two specialized firefighting boats. These will provide critical protection for ships, oil terminals, jetties, and other vital port infrastructure. Briefing State House correspondents on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasized that these investments are strategic steps toward making Nigerian ports more globally competitive. By enhancing navigational safety and protecting the coastal ecosystem, the government aims to reinforce Nigeria's position as a leading maritime and logistics hub in West and Central Africa. These approvals represent a significant continuation of the administration's broader agenda to overhaul port infrastructure, improve the security of territorial waters, and foster an environment that attracts further international trade and investment.