The Federal Government is working on strategic initiatives to integrate road, rail, and inland waterway links to Nigerian ports, aiming to enhance efficiency and improve global competitiveness within the maritime sector, according to Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Represented by the ministry’s Director of Maritime Services at the third Maritime Transportation Industry Breakfast in Lagos, Oyetola outlined plans to modernize the sector and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa. The event, themed ‘Prospects for Accelerated Growth and Other Matters Arising,’ brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Oyetola revealed that the ministry is developing a Port Community System, a digital platform designed to automate port operations, reduce processing times, and make doing business more efficient. He also shared plans to introduce Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) for Nigerian fishers, helping them meet global conservation standards and gain access to eco-friendly markets, ultimately securing better prices for their products.
In addition to these innovations, Oyetola announced efforts to:
- Disburse the long-awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to boost indigenous shipping capacity.
- Establish a National Fleet Implementation Committee to create a private-sector-led maritime fleet for handling Nigeria’s import and export cargo.
- Collaborate with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to kickstart the port modernisation programme, with Apapa and Tin Can Island ports as the initial sites for infrastructure upgrades.
Oyetola acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, including infrastructure deficits, environmental concerns, and maritime security, but emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to unlock the sector’s $1.5 trillion potential in the global ocean economy.
Funke Agbor, President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, also spoke at the forum, reaffirming the association’s commitment to providing legal and institutional support for a thriving maritime sector. She highlighted Nigeria’s strategic location and expansive coastline, which offer significant potential but require intentional policy frameworks, strong regulation, and stakeholder collaboration to fully realize.
