Nigeria’s maritime industry, a vital component of the nation’s economic framework, is currently hindered not by a lack of strategic vision but by a significant disconnect between policy formulation and actual execution.
This viewpoint was widely shared at the recent BusinessDay 2025 Maritime Conference held in Lagos, where key industry players convened to discuss and propose solutions to the sector’s ongoing challenges.
Participants highlighted that Nigeria’s ambition to emerge as a leading global maritime center is being compromised by three core issues: ineffective enforcement of forward-thinking policies, severe infrastructural shortcomings, and a continuous absence of technological integration.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the leadership of Adegboyega Oyetola, has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness on the world stage. This policy targets an annual economic growth rate of seven percent and the creation of 100,000 new jobs each year.
However, experts emphasize that this policy is merely a foundational step that requires robust implementation to realize its full potential.
Embracing Technology and Fostering Collaboration
Nigeria’s port facilities are grappling with long-standing issues, primarily due to outdated infrastructure incapable of handling current volumes or meeting international benchmarks.
The marine policy seeks to reverse this trend by prioritizing the digital transformation of port operations. Yet, the adoption of technology is hampered by internal resistance and lack of coordination among stakeholders.
Gbotolorun Ayodele, General Manager of ICT at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), stressed the necessity of collaboration for successful technological deployment.
“Achieving effective technology integration in ports depends on seamless cooperation,” he explained, highlighting the National Single Window (NSW) and the Port Community System (PCS) as pivotal platforms.
The PCS acts as a digital hub connecting various public and private entities within the port ecosystem, feeding into the broader NSW initiative, which streamlines regulatory and trade-related processes through a unified electronic portal for imports, exports, and transit goods.
Ayodele pointed out that while initial efforts focused on revenue generation, the true breakthrough lies in fully implementing the PCS and NSW. He identified challenges such as lack of synergy, poor information sharing, integration hurdles, resistance to change, and financial constraints that must be overcome.
Addressing Congestion Through Infrastructure Development
Industry experts warned that without upgrading evacuation infrastructure, technological advancements alone will not resolve port congestion issues.
Uche Increase, Managing Director of NOKIP NIG LTD, highlighted that despite progressive policies, inadequate infrastructure and weak enforcement continue to stall progress. He emphasized the critical role of efficient inland transport networks, especially rail and road systems, in alleviating port bottlenecks.
“Rail connectivity is indispensable for optimal port operations,” Increase asserted, urging the federal government to prioritize logistics planning alongside urban development initiatives.
He also recommended diversifying focus beyond river ports to include revitalizing dormant deep seaports, specifically advocating for the development of deep seaports in Abi and Ogun State.
Echefu Ukattah, Head of Maritime Practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, represented by Oluwafikayo Ogunrinde, added that integrating local communities into infrastructure projects is essential for smoother port operations.
“Involving local populations in policy frameworks fosters cooperation and operational efficiency,” he noted.
Uniform Standards and Predictable Costs
The fragmented nature of current maritime practices significantly affects the cost and ease of conducting business, according to stakeholders.
Kingsley Igwe, Registrar of the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), emphasized that inconsistencies in customs procedures across different ports directly impact market prices.
“Processes at Apapa differ from those at PTML and TinCan,” he explained. “There is an urgent need for standardized pricing mechanisms to determine cargo clearance and logistics expenses uniformly.”
Igwe advocated for a transparent system that allows importers to forecast costs accurately, similar to practices in other global markets.
Promoting Sustainability and Enhancing Security
Conference participants called for the revision of outdated maritime laws to better address contemporary challenges such as environmental sustainability and port security.
Felicia Mogo, President of the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative, stressed the importance of updating Nigeria’s maritime policies to align with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) objectives.
She highlighted decarbonization as a critical sustainability measure and urged the incorporation of modern frameworks to support environmental goals.
Regarding security, Sunday Umoren, Secretary General of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, identified rising freight costs as a major security concern impacting the sector.
Collaborative Efforts as the Path Forward
There was unanimous agreement that progress in Nigeria’s maritime sector hinges on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
Patricia Igwebuike, Commissioner for Transport in Anambra State, shared her commitment to this cause, noting that a significant portion of imports destined for eastern Nigeria pass through her state.
“We acknowledge the poor state of our roads, and it is imperative that all parties collaborate to ensure that Onitsha River port complements other Nigerian ports effectively,” she stated.