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Jamoh’s two years of revolutionary stewardship in Nigeria’s maritime industry

Bashir Jamoh, DG, NIMASA
Eyewitness reporter
On March 10th, 2020, exactly two years today, Dr Bashir Jamoh officially took over from his predecessor, Dr Dakuku Peterside, as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
During the handing over ceremony which took place at the Corporate Headquarters of the agency, Dakuku Peterside, while handing over the mantle of leadership to Dr Jamoh,  said he could not have wished for a better successor because Jamoh, a “homegrown” administrator per excellence, possesses the requisite institutional knowledge that would immensely benefit the industry.
Dakuku couldn’t have been more accurate about Jamoh because the maritime industry has witnessed unprecedented changes in character and contents since the Kaduna state-born, hard-core technocrat took over.
The whirlwind of impactful changes which were initiated by Jamoh has touched all the facets of maritime administration such as maritime security, maritime safety, port state control, flag state control, maritime labour, capacity building and even the staff of the agency have benefitted from the immense managerial capacity of Jamoh through enhanced welfare packages.
For the first time in 17 years, the piracy level in the notorious Gulf of Guinea drastically reduced within the two years in office of Jamoh, a feat which attracted commendation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Below are the chronicles of the achievements of Jamoh- led administration within the two years he assumed duties as the Director-General of NIMASA.

OPERATIONS/ACTIVITIES OF NIMASA 

MARITIME SAFETY 

The Agency continues to improve its port and flag state functions which is the core of maritime safety. The performance of the Agency in this regard in the last 4 years is highlighted below: 

Port State Inspection (PSI): 

Year PSI % Diff 
2017 525 
2018 659 38% (Increase) 
2019725 10% (Increase) 
2020510 -29.65 (Decrease) 

Total port state inspection in 2019 was 726 vessels of the 5,035 vessels calls which represent a 10% improvement from the preceding year and 14.42% of the total ship call. This is however short of the 15% requirement under IMO by 0.8% of which we are working hard to surpass. 

Total port state inspections in 2020 were 510 of 4,728 vessel calls. (COVID-19 lockdown impacted negatively on the Port State Inspections) 

Year FSI % Diff 
2018 1,737 
20192,580 49% (Increase) 
20202,244 13% decrease 

In 2019, the Agency performed a total of 2,580 flag state inspections representing 2,123 renewal inspections, 276 condition surveys and 181 Random Flag State Surveys. This showed a 49% increase from the 1,737 Total Flag State Inspections carried out in 2018 comprising 1,241 Flag State Renewal Inspections, 381 Condition Surveys and 115 Random Flag State Surveys. However, the decrease in 2020 is attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Marine incidents/accidents: 

Sadly, the Agency recorded 22 marine incidents in 2019 and 21 in 2018. Investigations were carried out while some are still ongoing. 

NIMASA has put in tremendous efforts to mitigate the tide of maritime insecurity in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea through several maritime domain awareness interventions and collaborative efforts. 

NIMASA’S EFFORTS IN ADDRESSING MARITIME INSECURITY IN NIGERIA AND THE GULF OF GUINEA 

  • Passage of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Bill 
  1. Establishment of integrated national maritime surveillance and security infrastructure 
  2. International Ship and Port Facility Security (Code) Implementation: The implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code has steadily impacted the level of security in the nation’s port areas and facilities.
  3. Resuscitation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS) Equipment 
  4. The Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity (RMAC) Centre 
  5. International collaboration: NIMASA is currently engaging international stakeholders, including BIMCO, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Oil Companies International Maritime Forum-OCIMF, under the auspices of NIMASA/Industry Maritime Security Work Group (NIWG) to entrench coordinated response to piracy attacks 
  6. Institutionalization of Collaboration with National Authorities: The Agency has spearheaded the institutionalization of the collaboration between her and other frontline maritime agencies for improved maritime safety and security and efficient port operations. 

CAPACITY BUILDING MILESTONES 

Human Capacity Development 

Statutory financial contribution to Maritime Academy, Oron 

Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP): 40/60 ratio 

50/50 ratio 100% 

  • Currently, the Agency has trained over 2600 Nigerian Seafarers in various credible maritime institutions UK, Egypt, Philippines, Malaysia, etc. 
  • Recently, the Agency secured the placement of over 400 cadets on board ships for the mandatory SEA-TIME training to make them globally competitive and employable. 
  • NIMASA also sent some of its staff on long term training abroad to build internal capacities in various aspects of the maritime industry at the prestigious World Maritime University. 

INDIGENOUS SHIPPING CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT 

Procurement of the 5th largest modular floating dockyard in Africa to reduce the cost of ship repairs and maintenance 

This milestone achievement comes under a unique Fund known as the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), designed to provide financial assistance to Nigerian Operators in domestic coastal shipping to own vessels and enhance their competitiveness. 

Fiscal and Monetary Policy Initiatives: We have continued our engagement with the MDAs to entrench appropriate fiscal and monetary policy initiatives to pave way for the competitive participation of indigenous operators in shipping activities in Nigeria. These include but are not limited to: 

  • A push for the change in terms of trade from FOB to CIF for the affreightment of crude oil (NNPC) • Single-digit interest rate for the maritime sector (CBN/NEXIM BANK/AFRIEXIM)
• Concessionalforeignexchangerateforshipacquisition(CBN)
• EngagementwithOfficeoftheVicePresident/EconomicManagementTeam 

We continued our engagement with state governments to buy into our cargo support initiative aimed at creating a cargo pool for affreightment by indigenous operators. 

 Ship Tonnage Growth: Aggressive repositioning of the Nigerian Ship Registration Office (NSRO) 

  •   The Nigerian Ship Registration Office recorded 13.8% tonnage growth from 2018 to 2019. 

  •   This trajectory of growth was negatively impacted by the global covid-19 pandemic. 

  •    However, the Nigerian Ship Registry ranks second in tonnage measurement in Africa after Liberia which operates an open and more flexible registry. 
 Remodelling and commissioning of NIMASA Knowledge Centre E-Library
 The facility is open to staff, students/researchers and external stakeholders/maritime operators to increase the knowledge base of the 
Nigerian Maritime Sector 


SPECIAL INTERVENTION: COVID-19 RESPONSE AND CSR 

The Executive Management of NIMASA recognized from the outset the significant impact of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic on the Transport Sector in Particular and the Global socio-economic activities in general, hence set up a multi-disciplinary Committee within the Agency to provide an informed risk assessment with appropriate responses. 


A major intervention of the Agency in ensuring the continued flow of trade was the declaration of Seafarers as KEY WORKERS to facilitate vital crew changes and excuse duty. Nigeria was among the first maritime nations to declare such and was commended by the IMO. 

Corporate Social Responsibility support to Federal and State government by the following donations to Federal & State authorities: 


  1. Cash donations of 30 Million Naira (N30,000,000.00) to the Federal Government Committee on COVID-19 Intervention


20 Million Naira (N20,000,000.00) cash donation to the Lagos State COVID-19 Intervention Task Force
B. Provided human capital/personnel support in the following areas: 

 Medical Personnel  Drivers
 Logistic officers 

  1. Deployment of the Agency’s Fire brigade trucks to fumigate Apapa and its environs. 

LOGISTICS SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 

State36-Seater Coaster Bus 16-Seater coaster Bus Ambu-lance Fast intervention Marine Vessels Personal protective Equipment (PPEs) 
Abuja 111
Lagos 1112
Rivers 112 (Onne and Port Harcourt) 
Delta 111
Cross River 2 (PSC to source) 1
Kaduna 2

SPECIAL INTERVENTION: CSR FOR FLOOD VICTIMS AND IDP CAMPS 

The Agency presented relief items to victims of flood disasters across the nation. Also, internally displaced persons as a result of the insurgency were not left out of Agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
Among the 20 states covered across the 6 geo-political zones are: 

  • Kaduna State
  • Kano State
  • Cross River State 

  • Delta State 

  • Lagos State 

  • Niger State 


VII. Benue State VIII. Ogun State IX. Ondo State 

COMMENDATIONS

The IMO in December 2020 applauded our efforts in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region
The Specialized Organ of the United Nation had earlier supported our action declaring Seafarers as key workers to facilitate crew changes during the COVID-19 induced international lockdown. 

Recently, the IMO gave institutional backing to NIMASA’s Marine Litter Action Plan. These and many more are evidence of our collaboration with the IMO.

The global shipping and economic climate was greatly impacted by the following  in 2020 all through 2021:

  • COVID-19
  • Lockdown
  • Disruption in the global supply chain; and
  • Slow down the economic activities across the globe.

Maritime Safety:

  • Flag State Implementation (FSO) – Vessels inspected/surveyed in accordance with the safety requirements of the MSA 2007

Conduct of Condition survey for Flag Registration

Comparing the number of vessels surveyed for flag registration relative to the previous year, it can be observed that the 2021 figure (489 vessels) is 43.6% higher than the total number of condition surveys carried out in 2020 (276 vessels).

Para-meterJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotal
Total No of Condition Surveys for Flag Registration conducted in 202032293614722242810311825276
Total No of Condition Surveys for Flag Registration conducted in 2021261919243275744434504349489
  • Port State Control (PCS) 229 foreign vessels boarded to ensure that such vessels maintained safety/pollution standard while in our ports and waters.

Port State Control Implementation

Comparing the number of vessels boarded relative to the previous year, it can be observed that the 2021 figure (673 vessels) is 24.2% higher than the total number of inspections carried out in 2020 (510 vessels).

  • Examination and Certification

Total exam conducted for officers at various capacities and certification for years 2020 and 2021

OFFICERS 2021

  • The total number of examinations conducted 829
  • Total candidate passed and certificated 264, forming a percentage of 32%
  • The total candidates failed 565, forming a percentage of 68%
  • Total certificate revalidated 2021: 246 certificates.

OFFICERS IN 2020

  • Total number of examinations conducted 610
  • Total candidates passed and certificated 251, forming a percentage of 41%
  • Total candidates failed 359, forming a percentage of 59%
  • Total certificate revalidated 2020: 132 certificates.

EXAMINATION RATINGS IN 2020

  • The total number of examinations conducted 1,251
  • Total candidates passed and certificated 926, forming a percentage of 74%
  • Total candidates failed 325, forming a percentage of 26%

EXAMINATION RATINGS IN 2020

  • The total number of examinations conducted 1,327
  • Total candidate passed and certificated 990, forming a percentage of 74%
  • Total candidates failed 337, forming a percentage of 26%
  • Online Seafarers Certificate of Competency (CoC) Verification Platform reactivated

The project has drastically reduced the forgery of Nigerian certificates and enhanced the employment of Nigerian Seafarers in the maritime sector. 

  • Enforcement of Safety Regulations on Barges and Tug Boards (Operation Sting Ray)
  • ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Certification for the operation of the Maritime Safety Department Approval of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System for the Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standard Department by Bureau Veritas (BV) in April 2020.
  • Revival of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipment – Necessary for sending alerts in an emergency. The GMDSS is to ensure the safety of life at sea.
  • Marine Accident Investigation Data/Information

Marine Pollution Prevention and Control

  • Marine Environment Management 

Nigeria has entered into MoU with Maritime Transport Coordination Centre (MTCC) on Climate Change for Africa to commence activities towards ensuring GHG emission reduction in the maritime sector with emphasis on achieving 0.5% Sulphur Oxide (SO2) in Bunker fuel oil.

  • Awareness creation
  • Establishment of bunker (fuel oil) supply register 
  • Accreditation of laboratories for testing bunker oil
  • Capacity building on the emission of reduction; and
  • Establishment of Compliance monitoring and Enforcement Team (CMET)
  • IOPC 92

Produced manual for the admissibility of claims under the fund.

The manual is to contain the price index for determining the quantum of claims for settlement in case of oil pollution.

  • Update on the Trinity Spirit FPSO

Maritime Security:

  • Deep Blue Project:

The Deep Blue Project was flagged off by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, 21st May, 2021.

The Agency has taken delivery of key assets of the Deep Blue Project including:

  • Two Special Mission Vessels (SMVs)
  • Seventeen Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs)
  • Two Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs)
  • Sixteen Armoured Vehicles

Some of these assets have been deployed to the Nigerian Navy for its operational use.

  • The Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity (RMAC) Centre

Provision of the Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity (RMAC) Centre Kirikiri by the US Navy Upgraded to SEA VISION to allow for monitoring of vessels along the West and Central African region.

  • NIMASA/Industry Working Group

International collaboration among major international stakeholders in the maritime/shipping sector.

To entrench coordinated response to piracy and other criminalities on the Nigerian waters and prompt reportage and escalation of marine incidences to where the action is most expected and to provide navigational advisory to mariners.

  • The Maritime  Security & Intelligence Unit

For intelligence and information gathering and sharing that can help to stop piracy.

  • Collaboration with Security Agencies

At the strategic level, the Agency ensures a close liaison with the offices of the NSA , CNS, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Army Staff and the IGP.

The Agency has played a pivotal role in the institutionalization of the collaboration between her and other government agencies for improved maritime security and safety.

 

  • ISPS

The total number of currently operational onshore facilities in the ISPS unit is Ninety-eight (98) divided into six maritime zones.

For ease of administration because of their locations & accessibility, some zones are further subdivided.

In 2020 VIEs carried out as detailed below for the four (4) quarters

  1. Lagos subdivisions
    1. Apapa – 9
    2. Kirikiri – 12 
    3. Ijora & Ijegun – 8 in first & second quarter & 11 in last quarter 
    4. Tincan – 8 
  2. Port Harcourt – 11
  3. Calabar – 9
  4. Onne – 9
  5. Eket – 4
  6. Warri – 16

Total 87 (Eighty–Seven)

In 2021 VIEs carried out as detailed below for the four (4) quarters

  1. Lagos subdivisions
    1. Apapa – 10
    2. Kirikiri – 12 
    3. Ijora – 7
    4. Ijegun – 7
    5. Tincan – 8
  2. Port Harcourt – 13
  3. Calabar – 8
  4. Onne – 10
  5. Eket – 3
  6. Warri – 17

Total 96 (Ninety–Six)

Shipping Promotion and Capacity Development

  • Shipping Promotion
    • Concessions to boost indigenous ownership
    • Strengthen enforcement of Cabotage to boost local participation
    • Capactiy Development 
    • Human – Natural Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) – Training of over 2,600 Nigerian Seafarers in various maritime institutions worldwide and a good number of them who have completed their programmes are no gainfuully employed onboard vessels.
    • Assets – Approval for CVFF disbursement to assist in vessel acquisition by indigenous Nigerian Shipowners – Most Nigerian Operators in domestic coastal shipping now own vessels and enhance their competitiveness. 
    • Learning Infrastructure Upgrade
      • Completion of the renovation and furnishing of the conventional library
      • Digitization of the convention library books/other resource materials
      • Renewal of e-library management software:

2022 in Focus

  • Strengthen our maritime safety and security enforcement mechanisms
  • Organise a stakeholders’ engagement towards harnessing the potentials of a blue economy
  • Enhance revenue for increased contribution to the consolidated revenue fund
  • Movement of the Agency’s Headquarters to its newly acquired building in Victoria Island.
  • Operationalization of the floating dock
  • Establishment of regional maritime safety and security training centre
  • Build regional maritime search and rescue clinic
  • Resuscitate Lokoja office
  • Construction of NIMASA zonal offices (Central zone and Eastern zone)
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Yinka Onigbinde election as MARAN president excites SIFAX Group 

– pledges support for his administration 

Gloria Odion,  Maritime reporter 

 

The SIFAX Group has congratulated Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde on his election as the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).

The Group described  his emergence as a reflection of his professionalism and dedication to maritime journalism.

The congratulatory message was conveyed in a formal letter signed by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, on behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of the conglomerate.

In the letter, Dr. Afolabi described Mr. Onigbinde’s election as well-deserved, noting that his consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years had earned him the confidence of his colleagues.

“Your emergence as the President is proof of your professionalism, dedication, and consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years,” Afolabi stated.

Afolabi expressed confidence that the association would continue to advance the ideals of professionalism, ethical journalism, unity, and constructive engagement within the maritime sector under Onigbinde’s leadership.

He further noted that the new president’s tenure was expected to strengthen the media’s role as a vital partner in the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Afolabi, who serves as Patron of MARAN, assured Onigbinde of his goodwill and support as the new president works towards advancing the association, while wishing him wisdom, strength, and outstanding success in the discharge of his duties.

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The Billion-Naira Ballot: Can digital primaries finally cure Nigeria’s “Delegate Disease”?

MONDAY DISCOURSE with NASIRU
“Whatever is hidden by the fog of political intrigue is eventually revealed by the light of the ballot.”
This maxim captures the true essence of Nigeria’s current political transformation as we navigate the high-stakes journey toward 2027.
In May 2026, the landscape is defined by a massive administrative and financial pivot, where the intersection of a record-breaking ₦1 trillion election budget and the mandatory shift to digital democracy has created a fortress that is reshaping how power is won and funded.
This record allocation, driven by a ₦1.01 trillion statutory transfer to INEC, represents a massive liquidity injection that is both a logistical necessity and a significant inflationary risk.
High inflation, reaching 23.7% in April, has drastically increased the costs of logistics, while over ₦209 billion is earmarked for technological integrity, including a massive overhaul of 200,000 BVAS units to ensure the digital transparency mandated by the Electoral Act 2026.
The 15 year reliance on the “delegate system” has officially been abolished, replaced by a revolution that permits only two nomination modes: Direct Primaries or Consensus. This shift to a “one member, one vote” system is intended to curb the influence of “Money Bags” and “Ghana-Must-Go” politics by moving power from a few thousand delegates to millions of registered party members.
However, this democratic ideal has birthed an operational nightmare for party administrations, who must now fund ward-level voting for their entire memberships. This strain has led to skyrocketing nomination fees, with the APC presidential ticket pegged at ₦100 million just to cover these new logistics.
Consequently, while the concentrated delegate market has vanished, political spending has merely decentralized, forcing aspirants to “induce” thousands of voters across every ward in the country.
A new digital arms race has emerged under Section 77 of the 2026 Act, which requires parties to submit a digital membership register linked to NINs to INEC at least 21 days before any primary.
The ruling APC has already registered over 12 million members online, claiming a head start in digital compliance. In contrast, the opposition has undergone a seismic shift; on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This “NDC Surge” has reportedly seen over 10 million Nigerians register with the party within its first 24 hours, as Obi cited the “toxic” environment and endless litigation within the ADC as his reason for seeking a more stable platform.
The NDC, led by former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, is now the primary challenger racing to consolidate its digital register before the looming May primary deadlines.
Beyond the internal party mechanics, the broader economic impact is staggering. The election budget contributes significantly to a ₦23.85 trillion deficit in the 2026 budget, narrowing the fiscal space for long-term development.
Economists, including the Central Bank Governor, have warned that this ₦1 trillion injection poses a severe inflationary risk that could destabilize ongoing reforms. Furthermore, the government has set aside ₦135.22 billion specifically for electoral adjudication, signaling an expectation of intense post-election litigation.
As we move toward the off-cycle governorship tests in Ekiti and Osun states, the question remains: is Nigeria ready for the transparency of a unified digital window, or will the costs of this “Digital Democracy” bankrupt the very system it seeks to save?
Chief Ibrahim Nasiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja
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Sustained government  expansion project, infrastructural development drive port growth trajectory in Qi, 2026

– as NPA records 46.75m GRT
‎Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
‎
‎Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.
This growth underscores the increasing dominance of larger-capacity ships across the nation’s ports amid ongoing reforms targeted at positioning the country as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
‎
‎According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the rise in vessel tonnage signals  improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigerian ports.
‎
‎The report noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding trade demand.
‎
‎The strong performance comes at a time the federal government is intensifying efforts to modernise Nigeria’s port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency and capture a larger share of regional cargo flows under AfCFTA.
‎
‎Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, had recently said Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations if the country hopes to compete effectively in a rapidly integrating African market.
‎
‎Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows in the new continental trade environment.
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‎“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources.
” Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.
‎
‎Total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals also posted strong growth during the quarter, increasing by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
‎
‎The NPA attributed the growth to rising trade volumes, stronger import and export activities, improved port productivity, and sustained demand for port services.
‎
‎One of the strongest performances during the period came from outward cargo traffic, which surged by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, reflecting stronger export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains.
‎
‎Similarly, outward laden container traffic recorded exceptional growth of 67.6 per cent, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, a performance linked to improved export logistics and terminal efficiency.
‎
‎Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth area, with total vehicle units handled rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year.
‎
‎The report further highlighted an 83.1 per cent increase in transshipment container activity, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.
‎
‎Industry analysts said the increase in transshipment activity is particularly significant because it suggests Nigeria is beginning to attract more regional cargo movement within West Africa, a critical objective as AfCFTA gradually dismantles trade barriers across the continent.
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‎The maritime reforms being pursued under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have centred on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and institutional restructuring aimed at transforming the country into a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.
‎
‎A major component of the reforms is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval and signing of the MOU for $1 Billion overhaul of  longstanding infrastructure deficiencies for improved port competitiveness.
‎
‎Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has also disclosed that procurement processes are underway for upgrades in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports as part of efforts to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
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‎In addition to physical infrastructure upgrades, the government is pushing an aggressive digitalisation agenda through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance processes, reduce delays and improve transparency.
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‎Industry stakeholders believe these initiatives could significantly lower the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving turnaround time and operational efficiency.
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‎The government has also expanded investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port corridors.
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‎Security improvements within Nigerian waters have further strengthened confidence in the sector.
Nigeria has now recorded over four years without piracy incidents, a development attributed to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance systems.
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‎According to the NPA, the Q1 performance demonstrates that the maritime sector is evolving into a more cargo-intensive and commercially dynamic ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth, trade facilitation and regional connectivity.
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‎Despite the progress, Dantsoho recently acknowledged that Nigeria still handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in West Africa despite accounting for more than 60 per cent of the region’s GDP, stressing that the country must sustain ongoing reforms to fully optimise its maritime potential.
‎
‎“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,” he assured.
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