The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria has warned that delays in renewing Nigeria’s port concession agreements are creating uncertainty in the maritime sector, with risks to investment, operations and government revenue.
The concessions, largely signed in 2006 following port reforms implemented by the Nigerian Ports Authority, have begun to expire after running for between 10 and 25 years, with many lapsing around 2021 and 2022.
Moses Ebosele, president of SCAN, said the prolonged delay in renewing the agreements is discouraging fresh investment in port infrastructure and technology, as operators face uncertainty over the future of their contracts.
“Port concessions are the backbone of efficiency and private sector participation in Nigeria’s maritime industry. Any delay in their renewal sends the wrong signal to both local and international investors who depend on policy consistency and contractual stability,” he said.
Ebosele said operators are increasingly reluctant to commit funds to upgrades amid the uncertainty.
“Operators are less inclined to commit resources when their contractual future is unclear. This stagnation directly affects productivity, turnaround time, and service delivery at our ports,” he said.
The uncertainty, he added, also risks job losses and industrial tension across port-dependent businesses, while inefficiencies at the ports could drive up the cost of goods for Nigerian consumers.
“Our ports are critical gateways for trade. Any slowdown or inefficiency increases the cost of doing business, which is ultimately passed on to Nigerian consumers,” Ebosele said.
SCAN is urging the Federal Government to fast-track the renewal process to restore confidence and maintain stability in the country’s maritime logistics system.
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