DP World has proposed the establishment of an industrial park to complement existing ports and provide a logistics base for processing exports.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, affirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate with DP World and other private investors to develop and manage new port infrastructure in the country.
Speaking over the weekend while receiving a delegation from DP World, Oyetola emphasized that the Ministry is fully open to investments that will drive efficiency and economic growth within the sector.
Welcoming DP World’s proposal, the Minister stated, “We have an extensive coastline and abundant lands suitable for the development of industrial parks.”
He encouraged the delegation to submit a formal proposal for consideration by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), underscoring the government’s commitment to facilitating such strategic investments.
Oyetola highlighted the Federal Government’s agenda to deepen private sector participation in the ports, stressing that Nigeria’s port operations present a strong investment opportunity with promising returns.
Additionally, he noted ongoing modernization efforts aimed at increasing the draught of the country’s ports to 16–16.5 meters, a key move to reestablish Nigeria as a transshipment hub for West Africa.
Further reinforcing the government’s dedication to efficiency, the Minister outlined plans to digitize and automate port processes to minimize human intervention.
These efforts include implementing the Cargo Tracking Note, the Port Community System, and the National Single Window, all designed to enhance operational efficiency and reduce turnaround time.
In his remarks, DP World Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin-Sulayem, emphasized the company’s extensive global footprint, noting that DP World operates in 48 countries and manages over 90 terminals worldwide, with a presence in most African markets.
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