By Sharon Akuboh, Abuja
Nigeria’s maritime sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by sweeping federal government reforms and the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has said.
Speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, Dantsoho painted a forward-looking picture of a sector on the rise, expressing confidence that Nigeria is well-positioned to dominate Africa’s blue economy if current reforms are sustained and expanded.
He attributed the ongoing progress in the sector to deliberate policy direction and institutional reforms spearheaded by the federal government, noting that increased private sector participation is also playing a crucial role in reshaping the maritime landscape.
According to him, Nigeria’s port system remains central to unlocking investment opportunities and accelerating economic growth, particularly as the country seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil.
Dantsoho stressed the urgency of repositioning Nigeria’s economic priorities to fully harness its vast marine resources, in line with global sustainability trends. He described the maritime sector as an underutilised asset capable of driving long-term national development.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources,” he said, adding that efficient port operations could significantly boost trade and revenue generation.
He noted that Nigeria’s strategic geographic location, combined with its large population and economic influence, provides a strong foundation for the country to emerge as a leading maritime hub in West Africa, comparable to global shipping centres.
However, Dantsoho expressed concern over the country’s current performance in regional cargo handling, revealing that Nigeria manages only about 25 per cent of West Africa’s cargo traffic despite contributing more than 60 per cent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product.
Describing the situation as a clear indication of untapped potential, he assured investors that ongoing reforms are already reversing the trend and opening up new opportunities within the sector.
He highlighted several key initiatives being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, including port modernisation, the introduction of a Trade Single Window, deployment of a Port Community System, development of deep seaports and the digitalisation of port operations.
These measures, he explained, are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce operational bottlenecks and position Nigerian ports to compete effectively on the global stage.
Dantsoho also underscored the importance of private sector investment, noting that the NPA is actively promoting project financing as a means of bridging infrastructure gaps and improving service delivery across the ports.
He said the reforms are expected to improve connectivity, reduce freight costs, attract larger vessels and expand Nigeria’s non-oil export base, ultimately boosting national revenue.
“The ultimate goal is to improve liner connectivity, attract bigger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand our export base,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he emphasised that sustained competitiveness in the global maritime industry would depend on operational efficiency, competitive pricing and strong hinterland connectivity, urging stakeholders to remain responsive to evolving global shipping trends.
“With sustained commitment, Nigeria’s port system will emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.
Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted Nigeria’s natural advantages, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, as key assets in driving growth within the sector.
He noted that Nigeria’s location along the Gulf of Guinea places it in a strategic position to harness the vast opportunities within the blue economy, while ongoing reforms have improved coordination, strengthened maritime security and enhanced investor confidence.
Oyetola added that the maritime sector accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume, reinforcing its critical role in the country’s economic future.