Nigeria’s port overhaul to create 20,000 jobs, reclaim lost cargo – Oyetola

Nigeria’s minister of marine and blue economy announced sweeping reforms on Thursday to modernise the country’s ports system and reclaim billions in lost cargo revenue while positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s premier transhipment hub.

The ambitious plan, which includes dredging key ports to accommodate larger vessels and easing regulations, is projected to generate over 20,000 jobs and reverse decades of inefficiency that drove cargo traffic to rivals like Togo and Benin.

“When the modernisation is completed, the draft of our port will be 16 to 17 meters. It is currently 12 to 13 meters. This will allow bigger vessels to berth and reverse the revenue loss to neighbouring ports of Tema, Lome and Cotonou,” Adegboya Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, told press in Abuja on Thursday.

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The Federal Executive Council has already greenlit a 48-month modernisation contract for Lagos’s Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports, with similar upgrades planned for eastern ports.

Agencies reduced to curb graft

To curb graft and delays, the number of government agencies operating at ports will be reduced from 14 to seven, while the new National Single Window (NSW) digital platform, set to launch in 2025, will streamline cargo clearance.

In addition to this, Nigeria is deploying scanners by the Nigeria Customs Service to improve transparency at its ports. These include the vessel tracking system, E-regulatory process portal, international cargo tracking note to boost revenue and guarantee security and truck call-up system to reduce traffic congestion.

A complementary Port Community System (PCS), described as a “one-stop digital shop” for exporters, will centralise documentation and automate processes.

Beyond ports, the ministry outlined plans to leverage Nigeria’s maritime resources, including a collaboration with the U.S. to sustain shrimp exports after achieving 100 percent compliance with turtle conservation protocols.

“Learning from best practices in countries like Morocco, the Ministry is engaging with various private sector actors to establish a state-of-the-art fish harbours and terminals on a PPP basis,” the minister said.

The government also plans to expand inland dry ports in Kano, Kaduna, and Abia to ease congestion in Lagos, while the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project aims to boost “blue tourism” and link fishing communities to markets.

Nigeria’s three-year streak of zero piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, achieved through its deep blue sea surveillance initiative, has helped its confidence in a bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in 2025.

“We have proposed a bid to contest election into the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council (Category C) during the 34th IMO Assembly scheduled to hold in London in November/December, 2025. I am pleased to inform you that Mr. President has approved, and the IMO has been duly notified. We have begun the preparatory processes,” the minister said.

Cabotage fund

He also mentioned the long-awaited disbursement of the $350 million cabotage fund for local shipowners and the approval of 16,300 square kilometres of new maritime territory, expanding Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone.

To further strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional trade, the Minister mentioned ongoing efforts to improve port infrastructure and connectivity. He emphasised that the licensing of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) would boost the export of Nigerian commodities and ease the shipment of goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The expansion of inland dry ports is also expected to decentralise shipping activities, making trade more accessible across the country.

Beyond infrastructure, the ministry has made significant progress in maritime financing. According to Oyetola, arrangements are being finalised to disburse the long-awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which will support indigenous shipping operators in acquiring new vessels and expanding capacity.

Transparency and accountability remain key priorities in the process, with the government working to include development banks in the fund’s administration.

Nigeria’s international maritime influence is also growing, with the country securing an additional 16,300 square kilometres of marine territory in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

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The minister described this as a major milestone in expanding Nigeria’s maritime resources and economic potential. Additionally, the government has ratified six international maritime conventions and protocols, strengthening compliance with global standards.

As part of regional collaboration, the ministry is actively working with the Maritime Organization of Central and West Africa (MOWCA) to establish the Regional Maritime Development Bank.

This initiative is expected to provide financial support for maritime projects and enhance trade connectivity across West and Central Africa.

These developments come amid the ministry’s drive to increase government revenue, improve port efficiency, and create new job opportunities, particularly within the maritime and logistics sectors.