AfriPulse
By Mercy Aikoye
Nigeria is accelerating efforts to modernise its ports and capture a larger share of regional cargo traffic under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as the administration of President Bola Tinubu pushes reforms aimed at positioning the country as West Africa’s leading maritime trade hub.
The government’s strategy combines infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms, institutional restructuring, and digital transformation to improve port competitiveness and strengthen the marine and blue economy.
For decades, Nigerian ports handled nearly 90 per cent of the country’s cargo volume, serving as a critical gateway for trade and commerce.
However, congestion, ageing infrastructure, bureaucratic delays, and fragmented operational systems gradually eroded competitiveness, allowing smaller economies in the sub-region to gain market share.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the sector now requires urgent transformation to meet the demands of continental trade liberalisation.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources,” Dantsoho said while addressing stakeholders in Lagos.
“Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth.”
With AfCFTA reducing trade barriers across Africa, Dantsoho warned that location alone can no longer guarantee dominance.
“Nigeria’s geographical advantage alone is no longer sufficient,” he said.
“Efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability will define leadership in this new era.”
He noted that ports able to process cargo faster, reduce costs and provide predictable logistics services would attract the highest cargo volumes.
To strengthen sector coordination, President Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy shortly after assuming office.
Minister Adegboyega Oyetola is leading reforms aimed at unlocking the sector’s estimated $3 trillion economic potential while consolidating maritime responsibilities previously spread across multiple agencies.
In a major funding boost, the House of Representatives approved a $1 billion loan facility for the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
Officials said the project will address long-standing infrastructure deficiencies and align port modernisation efforts with Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan.
The NPA has commenced operational upgrades at Apapa and Tin Can ports to improve berth efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround time.
Procurement is also ongoing for rehabilitation projects at ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne Port and Calabar Port.
“We are committed to a balanced and inclusive development of port infrastructure across the country,” Oyetola said.
Government is also investing in new deep seaports across Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Ondo to expand national cargo handling capacity.
Meanwhile, Lekki Deep Sea Port is already accommodating larger vessels and increasing throughput, strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in global shipping.
Government is deploying a Port Community System and National Single Window platform to eliminate paperwork bottlenecks and create a technology-driven, paperless port environment.
Industry analysts say the reforms could significantly reduce cargo clearance time, lower business costs and improve ease of doing business.
Authorities are also expanding multimodal transport systems to improve cargo evacuation.
Rail integration, inland dry ports and barging services are expected to reduce pressure on roads, decongest port corridors and improve links to Nigeria’s hinterland markets.
Dantsoho noted that without stronger hinterland connectivity, gains from port modernisation may remain limited.
Nigeria has recorded over four years without piracy incidents under the Deep Blue Programme, a development officials say has boosted investor confidence in the maritime sector.
Improved surveillance and enhanced maritime security operations have also strengthened Nigeria’s profile in the Gulf of Guinea.
To bridge infrastructure financing gaps, the NPA is opening more projects to private sector participation.
“We are open to private sector participation through project financing,” Dantsoho said.
“This approach is already improving efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure.”
Agencies under the ministry increased combined revenue from N700.79 billion in 2023 to N1.83 trillion in 2025, reflecting stronger operational performance.
Despite this growth, Nigeria still handles only 25 per cent of West Africa’s cargo traffic despite accounting for more than 60 per cent of the region’s GDP.
“It is worrisome that Nigeria, despite controlling over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic,” Dantsoho said.
Oyetola said Nigeria’s 823-kilometre coastline, inland waterways and location along the Gulf of Guinea remain major competitive advantages.
“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a prime location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness the immense potential of the marine and blue economy,” he said.
Officials believe sustained reforms will lower logistics costs, improve export competitiveness and position Nigeria as a continental logistics leader.
“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” Dantsoho assured.
Source: Authorityngr.com | Read the Full Story…
