The Nigerian maritime sector stands at a critical juncture in 2025. With its potential to boost economic growth, foster trade, and create jobs, the sector requires urgent and focused policy attention. The following key issues, if addressed expeditiously, can help unlock the sector’s potential and position Nigeria as a dominant maritime hub in Africa.
1. Renewal of Expired Port Concession Agreements
Several port concession agreements, including those involving major terminal operators, have expired for over four years. This has created uncertainty and stunted investment in port infrastructure and services. Concession agreements are vital for ensuring private sector participation in port management and operations, which brings efficiency and innovation.
Without renewed agreements, the affected terminal operators lack the incentive to invest in upgrading facilities or expanding capacity. This stagnation undermines Nigeria’s ability to compete with regional ports, such as those in Ghana and Ivory Coast. The government must prioritise renegotiating and renewing these contracts under transparent terms that ensure accountability and long-term development.
2. Safety on Inland Waterways: A Growing Concern
The tragic loss of 231 lives on Nigeria’s inland waterways in 2024 underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. Inland waterways, which are vital for connecting communities and transporting goods, remain plagued by poorly regulated operations, unseaworthy vessels, and inadequate enforcement of safety standards.
Key recommended measures include the enforcement of safety standards, training and awareness campaigns to educate operators and passengers on safety practices, and the establishment of well-equipped rescue stations along major waterways and provide emergency response teams with modern equipment.
These measures, if implemented, will not only save lives but also increase public confidence in inland water transport as a viable alternative for mobility and trade.
3. Supporting Indigenous Shipowners to Compete Globally
Indigenous shipowners face significant barriers in competing with their foreign counterparts, ranging from inadequate access to financing to lack of policy support. The disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which has remained dormant for years, is crucial.
The government must ensure transparent and timely disbursement of this fund to support indigenous operators in acquiring modern vessels, provide training and technical assistance to enhance the competitiveness of local operators, and offer tax breaks, grants, and reduced port charges for indigenous shipowners to level the playing field. This support will boost local participation in maritime trade, reduce foreign dominance, and enhance Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.
4. Deploying Scanning Machines to Facilitate Trade
Currently, over 90% of imported containers in Nigerian ports are subjected to 100% physical examination due to inadequate scanning facilities. This antiquated process is time-consuming, costly, and detrimental to trade facilitation.
The Federal Government should partner with private investors to procure and deploy modern scanning machines across ports. The Nigeria Customs must also leverage technology to integrate scanning systems with its clearance processes, ensuring faster and more transparent operations. By reducing reliance on physical examination, Nigeria can significantly enhance cargo clearance efficiency, lower costs for businesses, and attract more investments in port operations.
5. Addressing Dilapidated Port Infrastructure
The state of port infrastructure in Nigeria is abysmal. Key facilities, including quay aprons at Tin Can Island and Apapa Ports, as well as access roads in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Onne, are in disrepair. These shortcomings lead to congestion, inefficiencies, and increased operational costs.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and its supervising ministry must ensure comprehensive rehabilitation of these facilities by allocating funds to repair the quay aprons, and other critical facilities. The government must also ensure that port access roads are rehabilitated and maintained to facilitate seamless cargo movement. Investing in infrastructure will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness and make its ports more attractive to international shippers.
6. Release the Marine and Blue Economy Policy
The much-anticipated Marine and Blue Economy policy has yet to materialise, despite repeated promises by the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola. This delay hampers progress in leveraging Nigeria’s vast maritime resources for sustainable development.
A well-structured policy can provide a roadmap for harnessing maritime resources, including fisheries, offshore energy, and tourism, while ensuring environmental sustainability. The government must prioritise the release and immediate implementation of this policy in the first quarter of 2025 to signal its commitment to the sector.
7. Acta Non Verba
In 2025, rhetoric must give way to action. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and heads of maritime agencies must adopt a results-oriented approach to governance. Publicising minor achievements and making endless promises do little to advance the sector. They should set measurable targets for key projects and provide regular progress updates. Government officials must also work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to identify and address bottlenecks, while establishing mechanisms to track and report on the implementation of policies and projects. By demonstrating tangible results, the government can build public trust and establish Nigeria as a global maritime powerhouse.
The year 2025 presents an opportunity for Nigeria to address longstanding issues in its maritime sector. By prioritising the renewal of concession agreements, improving safety, supporting indigenous operators, modernising ports, and implementing strategic policies, the government can lay the foundation for a thriving maritime industry. It is time to move beyond words and take decisive action to unlock the sector’s full potential.
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