Nigeria is accelerating its maritime sector transformation through massive investments in port infrastructure and maritime education, aiming to reposition the industry for global competitiveness and expanded trade. At the core of this drive are strategic initiatives by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron efforts aligned with the Federal Government’s vision to unlock the full potential of the nation’s blue economy.
According to the NPA’s 2024 Consolidated Management Report, cargo throughput surged by 45.1%, climbing from 71.2 million metric tons in 2023 to 103.3 million in 2024. This growth contributed to a ₦5.81 trillion ($3.7 billion) trade surplus in Q3 2024, as reported by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
To consolidate these gains, the NPA is spearheading a $1 billion reconstruction of the Tin Can Island Port Complex, alongside major upgrades at Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports. Additionally, work is progressing on new ports at Snake Island, Badagry, Ondo, and Burutu, now at various stages of development.
At the 2025 Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) conference in Lagos, NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho represented by Hadiza Usman Shu’aibu highlighted the Authority’s focus on port modernisation, capacity expansion, and digital transformation.
He announced Nigeria’s membership in the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) as a key step toward fully implementing the National Single Window (NSW) a digital trade platform to reduce port inefficiencies and streamline cargo processing.
In Lagos, longstanding port congestion is being addressed through enhancements to the electronic truck call-up system, with satellite parks and time-belt scheduling significantly reducing gridlock and improving cargo turnaround times.
The NPA is also expanding revenue channels through public-private partnerships (PPPs) in non-core operations such as bunkering, logistics parks, ship repair yards, and independent power generation.
Under Dantsoho’s leadership, Nigeria has regained regional influence. He was recently elected President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) the first Nigerian to hold the position since 1972 and is spearheading Nigeria’s bid for re-election to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Meanwhile, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, is undergoing major reforms to build world-class maritime professionals aligned with both national priorities and global standards.
Speaking on behalf of Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, the Academy’s PRO, Domo Umoekpe, affirmed MAN’s role in shaping Africa’s maritime future:
“We’re not just training cadets; we’re shaping professionals who will drive maritime growth across Africa.”
The Academy’s recent facility upgrades include four IMO-compliant simulators, a Free Fall Lifeboat with launching davit, survival pools, engineering labs, an e-library, and a marine exhibition hall. The Academy also offers IMO Model Course 6.09 instructor training and collaborates with institutions like the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.
MAN runs three core schools Engineering, Nautical Studies, and Maritime Transport Studies alongside a Seafarers Training Centre offering STCW-compliant short courses. Its 12 IMO-accredited simulator courses are now attracting foreign cadets, furthering its vision of international maritime excellence.
The Academy is also pursuing strategic partnerships with global bodies including IMarEST, The Nautical Institute (UK), and CIOTA, aimed at securing sea-time placements and aligning cadets with global best practices.
Both NPA and MAN acknowledged the vital support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, in championing reforms that are reshaping Nigeria’s maritime landscape and boosting its global competitiveness.
