The Federal Government has announced plans to integrate Nigeria’s ports with road, rail, and inland waterway networks to boost efficiency and competitiveness in the maritime sector.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the ministry’s Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori, during the third Maritime Transportation Industry Breakfast held on Wednesday in Lagos.
The event, themed “Prospects for Accelerated Growth and Other Matters Arising,” brought together key stakeholders in the maritime and blue economy space.
According to Oyetola, the ministry is also developing a Port Community System—an electronic platform designed to automate and streamline interactions among port stakeholders. He explained that the system would cut down processing times and enhance the ease of doing business across Nigerian ports.
Another major initiative under the ministry’s purview is the certification of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), a step aimed at aligning the nation’s fishing practices with global conservation standards. This, Oyetola said, would improve sustainability and open new international markets for Nigerian fishers.
Further initiatives highlighted include strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting modern aquaculture techniques, supporting indigenous shipping firms through the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), and forming a National Fleet Implementation Committee to develop a private-sector-led maritime fleet for Nigeria.
“The ministry and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have initiated a port modernisation programme, beginning with Apapa and Tincan Island ports. The goal is to revamp aging infrastructure to ensure faster turnaround times for cargo and vessels,” he added.
Oyetola acknowledged persistent challenges in the sector, including infrastructural deficits, environmental concerns, and security threats, and stressed the need for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to overcome them.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Mrs. Funke Agbor, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting legal, institutional, and policy structures essential to a thriving maritime industry.
Agbor emphasized that maritime transport is central to global commerce and Nigeria’s economic integration, given the country’s strategic geographic location and expansive coastline. She noted the industry’s potential could only be realized through effective policies, private sector involvement, and consistent engagement among stakeholders.
“The breakfast series was designed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration. In the spirit of partnership and progress, we come together to share ideas, challenge the status quo, and shape practical solutions for Nigeria’s maritime transport potential,” she said.
Agbor also praised the ministry for its participation and urged for more cross-sector collaboration to establish Nigeria as a preferred maritime destination in Africa.
(NAN)
