The maritime sector in Nigeria witnessed significant developments throughout 2024, with key policy changes, high-profile appointments, and operational shifts marking the year. These developments underscored the industry’s strategic importance while highlighting both its challenges and opportunities. From changes in leadership to major infrastructural projects, here are the top 20 maritime stories that dominated the industry this year:
1. Tinubu Moves to Strip NPA, NIMASA, and Customs of Revenue Collection Powers
In October 2024, President Bola Tinubu proposed to reduce the revenue collection powers of key maritime agencies — the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Customs Service. The proposal, which sparked intense debates, was aimed at improving revenue management and operational efficiency across the sector.
Tinubu Moves to Strip NPA, NIMASA, Customs of Revenue Collection Powers
2. NIMASA DG Laments Potential Revenue Loss to Dangote Refinery
In January 2024, then NIMASA Director-General, Bashir Jamoh, expressed concerns that Nigeria’s maritime revenue could significantly decrease due to the new Dangote Refinery’s direct crude shipment. The refinery’s operational model, which bypasses traditional shipping routes, threatened to divert significant revenues from NIMASA.
3. Nigeria Customs Service Bans Officers from Clearing and Forwarding Activities
In November 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service took decisive action by banning its officers from engaging in clearing and forwarding activities. This was part of a broader effort to eliminate conflicts of interest and enhance the transparency of port operations.
Nigeria Customs Service Bans Officers from Clearing and Forwarding Activities
4. NPA Begins Sale of Petroleum Products in Naira, Launches One-Stop-Shop
In October 2024, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) introduced the sale of petroleum products in Naira in line with the directive of the Federal Government, marking a major shift in the industry. The move was designed to streamline transactions and reduce the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Additionally, the NPA set up a One-Stop-Shop to improve coordination across the sector.
NPA Begins Sale of Petroleum Products in Naira, Establishes One-Stop-Shop for Efficient Coordination
5. NPA Appoints New Port Manager for Tin Can Island Port
In January 2024, the NPA appointed a new Port Manager for the Tin Can Island Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest ports. This change in leadership was expected to bring fresh ideas and focus to improving operations at the port.
6. Exclusive: NPA MD Abu Dantsoho Names 7 New Port Managers
In August 2024, NPA Managing Director Abu Dantsoho made waves by announcing the appointment of seven new Port Managers. This move was part of ongoing reforms aimed at optimizing port operations and improving efficiency.
7. NIMASA Faces Criticism for Lack of Focus, Calls for Urgent Rescue
In March 2024, a prominent maritime director criticised NIMASA for its lack of direction and focus. The agency’s inability to fully implement key policies was seen as a setback for the nation’s maritime ambitions.
8. Cargo Vessel Wrecks Multi-Billion Naira Groyne at Lagos Waterfront
In August 2024, a cargo vessel caused extensive damage to a multi-billion Naira groyne at the Lagos waterfront. The incident sparked debates about the safety of maritime infrastructure and the need for better regulation of vessels in the area.
Cargo Vessel Wrecks Multi-Billion Naira Groyne at Lagos Waterfront
9. Clearing Agents Protest Customs Officer’s Alleged Highhandedness at Tin Can Port
A protest erupted in October 2024 when clearing agents accused Customs officers at Tin Can Port of highhandedness and exploitation. The incident drew attention to ongoing concerns about corruption and misconduct within the service.
VIDEO: Clearing Agents Protest Customs Officer’s Alleged Highhandedness at Tin Can Port
10. NIMASA NSDP Program Criticised for Nepotism and Tribalism
In March 2024, allegations of nepotism and tribalism plagued the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP), with critics claiming that the program was being used to promote personal and ethnic interests rather than merit.
NIMASA NSDP program used to promote nepotism, tribalism — Olayiwola
11. Tinubu Sacks Four NPA, NIMASA Executive Directors
In January 2024, President Tinubu dismissed four executive directors from both the NPA and NIMASA, retaining two. This shake-up was seen as part of the government’s efforts to overhaul the leadership of critical maritime institutions.
12. Dantsoho’s Appointment as NPA Managing Director Receives Widespread Acclaim
Abu Dantsoho’s appointment as NPA MD in July 2024 was widely celebrated by maritime stakeholders, who expressed hope that his leadership would drive much-needed reforms and improvements in port operations.
Dantsoho’s Appointment as NPA Managing Director Receives Widespread Acclaim From Stakeholders
13. Seven Key Facts About Abubakar Dantsoho, the New Managing Director of NPA
Following his appointment, Abubakar Dantsoho’s leadership style and background were the subject of extensive discussions. A detailed profile in July 2024 highlighted his qualifications and vision for the future of Nigerian ports.
7 Key Facts About Abubakar Dantsoho, the New Managing Director of NPA
14. Adeniyi: It is Wrong for Customs Officers to Raid Markets
In July 2024, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi put an end to the raiding markets in search of smuggled goods. He argued that such raids were detrimental to legitimate trade and would be replaced with more effective enforcement measures.
15. NIMASA Director Walked Out of Reps Public Hearing
In July 2024, a public hearing at the House of Representatives saw a NIMASA director walked out amid tense questioning regarding the agency’s financial management and oversight. The incident raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the agency.
16. The Letter that Ended Jamoh’s Tenure at NIMASA
In March 2024, SHIPS & PORTS exclusively published a letter that brought an abrupt end to the tenure of Bashir Jamoh as Director General of NIMASA. The expose ended speculations and leadership wranglings at the agency.
17. Shettima Inaugurates USD115m APM Terminals WACT Upgrade
In September, Vice President Kashim Shettima officially inaugurated a comprehensive USD115 million upgrade project at APM Terminals West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State. The monumental investment underscores APM Terminals’ unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and solidifies its position as a key trade hub in West Africa. With this monumental upgrade, APM Terminals reaffirmed its role as a key player in lifting global trade and creating opportunities for communities across Nigeria and West Africa.
18. NPA Set to Implement Electronic Call-Up System at Onne Port
In August 2024, the NPA announced plans to implement an Electronic Call-Up System at Onne Port. The system aims to reduce congestion and improve the efficiency of cargo handling, serving as part of the broader efforts to modernize Nigerian ports.
19. Remi Tinubu Launches Nigerian Navy Vessels in Turkey
In April 2024, Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, officially launched Nigerian Navy vessels in Turkey. The acquisition of these vessels was seen as a major step in strengthening the country’s maritime security and naval capabilities.
20. APC Kano Guber Candidate Nasir Gawuna Eyes NPA Top Job
In March 2024, political heavyweight Nasir Gawuna, the APC gubernatorial candidate in Kano State, expressed interest in the NPA top job. His ambitions to lead the NPA added to the ongoing discussions about the future leadership of the agency.
2024 has been a transformative year for Nigeria’s maritime sector, with significant policy shifts, leadership changes, and infrastructural developments. From efforts to streamline revenue collection to strengthening the Navy’s capabilities, these top stories reflect both the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s maritime industry. As the year comes to a close, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these developments impact the future of the nation’s maritime operations.
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