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Crisis brews in maritime industry as truck owners vow to resist imposition of levy by Lagos government.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The Eyewitness Reporter
The relative industrial harmony currently pervading the entire landscape of Nigerian Ports may soon be ruptured by the ludicrous plan by the Lagos state government to impose what has been described as illegal fees on truck owners.
The truck owners, through the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) and  Council of Maritime  Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA), have raised the alarm over the impending crisis being perpetrated by the subterranean attempt of  Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation capable of breaching the peace in the maritime transport unions.
Adisa Moshood Olaitan, the President of NAMTOP and  Adeyinka Aroyewun, the National President of COMTUA, in separate letters to the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, complained about the creation and imposition of a committee called Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee, contrived by Sola Giwa and the Ministry of Transportation to extort maritime truck owners and their drivers.
In their separate letters addressed to Governor Sanwo-Olu and copied to the IGP, Director of SSS and the Lagos state Attorney General, the two leaders appealed to Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the brewing crisis by calling his lieutenants to order.
The unionists complained of divide and rule tactics of the state ministry of Transportation and Mr Giwa to destabilise the maritime transport unions through the imposition of what they called an illegal committee charged with the collection of the equally illegal harmonised fee.
They reminded the sponsors of the illegal committee that the only legal fee known and accepted by the transport unions was the Wharf Landing fee which came into law in 2007.
They warned that any attempt by the state government and its agents to impose another Levy would set the maritime industry on fire as truck owners and truck drivers would resist the imposed levy with the last pint of their blood.
“I am writing to you today to express my deep concern about the creation of a committee that is aimed at acting against the activities of our unions and associations in the maritime transport industry.
“As a member of this industry, it becomes a matter of concern that despite our protest letter to your office and advice to the Ministry of Transportation against its resolve on the creation of this committee, we received through a letter of appointment from members of the committee a plot against the activities of our association.
“The letter emanating from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, signed by the special adviser to the governor of transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, whose interest and partisanship have been greatly mentioned in our leadership crisis that resulted in the ongoing litigation, can best be described as a recipe for the crisis and the breakdown of the law and order within our industry and in Lagos State.

“The members of the said committee are also members of the same association where the leadership contest is a subject of litigation.

“The imposition of these individuals under the guise of a committee of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to supervise the activities of our association is in contempt of a court process, and it’s unacceptable.
“In the letter, part of the committee’s mandate is a collection of harmonised fee. This harmonised fee is not a Lagos State government levy.
” It was agreed upon by unions and associations in our collaboration known as the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators ( NAMTOP) ; as such, the ministry lacks jurisdiction on such collection.
“The only government levy in Lagos State is the wharf landing fee. This fee became law and came into operation as a harmonised fee in 2007 for maritime transport operators and it has since been respected.
” Setting up a committee to “adopt and ensure the payment of a harmonised fee as approved by the Lagos State government” as contained in the “terms of reference” of the said committee is provocative.

“We shall use every legal means to protest against the activities of this said committee which will amount to double taxation, imposition of leadership on our association, contempt of court and conduct that may lead to a breach of public peace.

“We plead with your Excellency, to call Hon Sola Giwa and officers of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to order” Adisa Moshood Olaitan, pleaded with Governor Sanwo-Olu.
On his part, Aroyewun, the COMTUA National President described the proposed few as double taxation which will bring untold hardship to his members.
“The proposed collection of dues will not only cause financial hardship to the truckers but will also lead to a breakdown of law and order. We truckers are an important part of the economy, and we should not be subjected to such illegal and unjust actions.
“The terms of reference listed for the committee contain the entire content of our agreement as a collaboration.
“This is contained in a letter.
MOT/AG./2937/1/10 of February 13, 2023, signed by the permanent secretary, Engr. Toriola, as attached.
This may be contentious and may lead to a breach of peace.
“The individuals listed as members of the committee lost their bid to head or lead our collaboration in an election.
“Selecting the same person to head a committee with the same terms of reference as our collaboration is seen as a ploy to impose or sponsor these individuals to act in place of our union.
“As a committee established by the government, it is expected that the rewards for its members are the responsibility of the government, not the creation of an extortion avenue under the guise of being harmonised to be paid by truckers.
“This deliberate attempt to cause a crisis is the handwork of the Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa.
“There is no need for the divide-and-rule approach of the ministry, as the consequences can best be imagined.
“That the loss of Mr. Lookman Shittu to Mr. Moshood Adisa Olaitan as to the seat of the chairman does not put the association or the industry in crisis but the deliberate attempt by the officials of the ministry to create one.
“That a civil medium for resolving the Chairman issue between Mr. Adisa Moshood and Alh Lookman Shittu is in court in suit ID/7478GCM/2023 and is currently at the stage where counsel for the parties is to address the court on January 31, 2024.
The claim of vacuum as a ground advanced by the ministry to establish the committee is unfounded.
The composition of a committee to act in place of our association is not only illegal as it is in contempt but also does not fall under the purview of the Ministry of Transportation.
“It is shameful that the ministry officials and the Special Adviser could not hide their desperation to impose a looser of an election on a union through an illegitimate committee but in absolute disobedience to the rule of law, proceeding on such action that can set the state on fire.
“We are not disturbed by the “name-dropping” antics of the gang; we are concerned when the governor and his deputy, whose names are mentioned as sponsors of this agenda, keep their silence against our complaints and protests.
“We advise the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, to immediately call Hon. Sola Giwa and the officials of the Ministry of Transportation to order, as their actions may set the state on fire.
“It is important that the government take urgent steps to address this issue and ensure that the rights of truckers are protected.
“This will not only prevent a crisis and breakdown of law and order but also ensure that the state’s economy is not negatively impacted.
“I urge you to take immediate action to stop the proposed illegal collection of dues from truckers by the committee set up by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
“Failure to do so may lead to a crisis and a breakdown of law and order in the state” the COMTUA president warned.
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NSW will not subsume B’Odogwu Customs trade platform — Fakolade

Gloria Odion 
Tola Fakolade, the Director of Nigeria National Single Window Project has stated that the celebrated National Single Window project which first phase is due for official roll out in March,27th, 2026 is not a substitute for the Customs trade platform commonly called B’Odogwu, neither will the presidential initiative subsume the Customs platform.
Fakolade make this clarification against the rising fears that the multi- million dollar indigenous platform created by the Customs to enhance its operations and meant to replace the previous foreign – created portal, will be jettisoned at the berth of NSW.
However, he further clarified that the NSW will operate alongside the B’Odogwu Customs Management System, describing the two platforms as complementary.
“The B’Odogwu system handles core Customs processes such as valuation and risk management, while the National Single Window serves as the single-entry portal for traders to submit documents and applications for approvals,” he said.
Fakolade also declared that NSW will not replace any government agency involved in trade facilitation but will instead integrate their processes to eliminate duplication and improve efficiency.
He explained that the system is designed to ensure that once a release is issued by the Nigeria Customs Service, it would already reflect the risk assessment and compliance requirements of other port-related regulatory agencies.
According to him, key trade agencies were involved from the early stages of the project, with each nominating technical representatives who contributed to the development of the platform.
He noted that the system has already identified and addressed several duplicated processes that previously slowed cargo clearance and added no value to port operations.
Fakolade also disclosed that extensive training has been ongoing for over a month for end-users including importers, exporters, freight forwarders and officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
 He added that training sessions are being conducted physically at designated centres that accommodate between 30 and 50 participants, while additional learning resources and explanatory videos have been made available online.
Fakolade added that when the platform goes live on March 27, 2026, initial services will include applications for import licences, certificates and permits for agencies such as Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, as well as manifest submissions by shipping lines and airlines.
Meanwhile, Princess Chi Ezeh, Vice President (Seaports) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), commended the committee driving the NSW Nigeria for recognising freight forwarders as critical stakeholders in the reform initiative aimed at improving trade facilitation in the country.
Ezeh noted that the decision to engage freight forwarders during the awareness and consultation stages of the project demonstrates that the implementation team understands the strategic role operators play in Nigeria’s port and logistics ecosystem.
She added that during the engagement sessions, freight forwarders were able to highlight some operational challenges they face at the ports, which the project team assured would be addressed.
She expressed optimism ahead of the planned launch of the National Single Window, urging the implementation team to ensure that the system is properly structured to enhance trade facilitation rather than create additional delays in cargo clearance processes.
Also speaking, the Chairman of APFFLON Tincan Chapter, Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo, assured that freight forwarders would play their part in ensuring the success of the initiative by submitting accurate documentation and complying with the required procedures.
He stressed that transparency and professionalism from operators are essential to achieving the project’s goal of reducing cost, saving time and improving efficiency in Nigeria’s port operations.
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Port modernisation, NSW:  the dual trade facilitation tools deployed by NPA to enhance efficiency for economic growth 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Nigeria’s maritime sector, the gateway through which over 80 per cent of the nation’s international trade flows, is undergoing a sweeping transformation, which is being midwifed by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.
Anchored on port modernisation, digital trade facilitation and institutional reform, the new maritime policy direction is designed to reposition Nigeria’s seaports as competitive hubs within the global shipping ecosystem.
Last week, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) released its 2025 report showing that the nation’s maritime sector recorded a historic surge in activity, driven by increased cargo throughput, rising container traffic, and a growing export footprint — a development that underscores the federal government’s commitment to economic diversification.
The 2025 Operational Performance Report released by the NPA revealed that total cargo throughput surged by 24.8 per cent rising from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the growth as one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history, noting that the milestone strengthens the country’s position as a more competitive and strategic player in regional and global trade.
The outstanding performance did not just happen overnight, it is a result of the transformative reforms of the federal government.
 For decades, the nation’s ports struggled with a lot of constraints.
However, President Bola Tinubu is reversing the trend through an ambitious reform programme driven by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Adegboyega Oyetola and implemented largely by the Nigerian Ports Authority under the leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
At the centre of the reform strategy are two interconnected initiatives: the comprehensive modernisation of Nigeria’s port infrastructure and the deployment of the National Single Window (NSW), a digital platform designed to streamline trade documentation and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
Ahead of the flag off of NSW, the NPA put the structures in place and is fully ready. The NPA being a critical stakeholder in the NSW initiative has fully aligned its operational processes with the NSW platform.
In furtherance of this, NPA has been part of the NSW Committee, which has been working with the NSW Project Team, KPMG, and Crimson-Logic.
 These engagements have focused on ensuring seamless integration of the Authority’s Revenue Invoice Management System (RIMS 2.0) with the NSW architecture.
Several strategic, operational and technical decisions have been taken to align current processes with the national framework.
In line with Phase 1 of the NSW go-live, NPA has participated in a series of technical and strategic engagements with the NSW Project Team and implementation partners, complete initial User Acceptance Testing (UAT), inauguration of Transition Committee of the NSW and the development and delivery of all requested system endpoints (integration codes) to enable process alignment between NPA and NSW platforms.
Together, these initiatives represent one of the most far-reaching attempts to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector and position it as a critical engine of national growth.
Nigeria’s ports have long been central to the country’s economic architecture. Yet for many years, they have been constrained by infrastructural decay and operational inefficiencies.
Experts estimate that Nigeria loses more than N1 trillion annually due to the lack of port automation and modern infrastructure, as congestion, delays and administrative duplication increase logistics costs for businesses and discourage shipping lines.
In addition to these financial losses, inefficient port operations have undermined Nigeria’s regional competitiveness.
West African ports in countries such as Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic, equipped with modern facilities and digital trade systems, have captured significant volumes of cargo originally destined for Nigeria.
The result has been a paradox: Africa’s largest economy operating with ports that have struggled to match the capacity and efficiency of smaller neighbouring economies.
Addressing this gap has therefore become central to the maritime reform agenda of the Tinubu administration.
Ports Reconstruction and Modernisation
A cornerstone of the reform programme is the large-scale reconstruction and modernisation of Nigeria’s major seaports.
The federal government has initiated an ambitious infrastructure renewal plan targeting key facilities including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar ports.
The objective is to upgrade quay walls, deepen channels, modernise cargo-handling equipment and expand terminal capacity to accommodate larger vessels and increased trade volumes.
The strategy reflects a recognition that efficient ports are indispensable to economic growth.
 Modern ports reduce vessel turnaround time, lower freight costs and enhance supply chain efficiency, factors that directly influence a country’s competitiveness in international trade.
Early indicators suggest that these reforms are already beginning to produce measurable results.
 Nigeria’s cargo throughput recorded a significant surge in recent years, rising by 45.1 per cent to 103.3 million tonnes, while ship calls increased to more than 4,000 vessels across Nigerian ports. Container traffic also climbed to 1.74 million TEUs, reflecting growing trade activity and increased export shipments.
 These improvements highlight the economic potential that could be unlocked when infrastructure upgrades are combined with operational reforms.
One of the most immediate advantages of port modernisation is the improvement in operational efficiency.
 Many of Nigeria’s major ports were constructed several decades ago and have struggled to cope with the demands of modern shipping and cargo handling.
Ageing quay walls, shallow drafts, obsolete equipment and limited cargo-handling capacity have often resulted in congestion and long vessel waiting times.
Modernisation programmes that involve infrastructure upgrades, channel deepening and the deployment of modern cargo-handling equipment will significantly reduce vessel turnaround time and cargo dwell time.
Faster port operations mean ships spend less time waiting to berth, while cargo is cleared more quickly, improving the overall efficiency of the logistics chain.
Inefficient ports often translate to higher logistics costs for importers, exporters and shipping companies.
Delays in cargo clearance lead to additional charges such as demurrage, storage and handling fees, which are ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
By improving infrastructure and operational processes, port modernisation will lower these costs and make Nigerian ports more attractive to shipping lines and international investors.
This could also reverse the long-standing trend of Nigerian cargo being diverted to neighbouring ports in countries such as Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.
Digital Transformation Via NSW
Infrastructure alone, however, cannot deliver a competitive port system without complementary digital reforms.
 This is where the National Single Window (NSW) initiative becomes critical.
Last week, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced that Nigeria will launch the National Single Trade Window platform on March 27.
He described the initiative as a monumental reform aimed at transforming the country’s trade ecosystem by simplifying procedures, improving efficiency and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
According to him, the initiative, which was first introduced by President Bola Tinubu nearly two years ago, represents a far-reaching fiscal reform designed to modernise Nigeria’s trade processes.
“We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational,” he said.
The NSW is designed as an integrated digital platform that enables traders to submit all import, export and transit documentation through a single electronic interface rather than interacting with multiple government agencies.
The NSW seeks to eliminate these inefficiencies by creating a unified digital ecosystem that integrates all trade-related processes.
The implementation of the National Single Window adds a critical digital dimension to these reforms.
The NSW is an integrated electronic platform that allows traders to submit all import and export documentation through a single portal rather than dealing separately with multiple government agencies.
In the traditional system, importers and exporters are required to process documentation with several regulatory bodies, including customs, port authorities and inspection agencies.
This fragmented process often leads to duplication, delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
 The National Single Window eliminates these inefficiencies by integrating all trade-related processes into one digital ecosystem.
The result is faster cargo clearance, improved transparency and greater accountability in port operations.
Digital platforms reduce human intervention in administrative processes, thereby minimising opportunities for corruption and revenue leakages.
 In addition, real-time information sharing among stakeholders enhances coordination and improves decision-making across the maritime value chain.
From a macro economic perspective, these reforms have the potential to significantly boost government revenue and stimulate economic growth.
Efficient ports facilitate increased trade volumes, which in turn lead to higher customs duties, port charges and related maritime revenues.
Improved logistics infrastructure also supports export-oriented industries by ensuring that Nigerian products can reach international markets more efficiently.
Furthermore, modern ports and digital trade systems can attract foreign direct investment into sectors such as shipping, logistics, manufacturing and maritime services.
Investors are typically drawn to economies with reliable infrastructure and efficient trade systems, and the ongoing reforms are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global trading environment.
Ultimately, the combined impact of port modernisation and the National Single Window will extend beyond the maritime sector.
By improving trade facilitation, lowering logistics costs and enhancing revenue generation, these reforms will contribute to broader economic diversification and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Analysts project that a fully operational National Single Window could boost customs revenue by 10 to 20 per cent annually, translating into an additional N600 billion to N1.2 trillion in government earnings.
Beyond revenue generation, the system could reduce cargo dwell time by 35 to 45 per cent and cut overall trade transaction costs by up to 25 per cent.
Such improvements would significantly enhance Nigeria’s logistics performance and ease of doing business.
NPA’s Operational Leadership
The successful implementation of these reforms depends heavily on the institutional leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Under the leadership of Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA has intensified efforts to modernise infrastructure, strengthen digital systems and improve operational efficiency across the nation’s port network.
The authority’s reform agenda includes the deployment of advanced automation tools such as the Port Community System, the Vessel Traffic Management System and digital cargo tracking platforms.
These initiatives are designed to enhance real-time coordination among port stakeholders and create the technological backbone required for the National Single Window to function effectively.
 The impact of these reforms is also reflected in the financial performance of the NPA.
The authority generated N894.86 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projecting N1.28 trillion in revenue for 2025, driven largely by increased cargo traffic, digital automation and infrastructure upgrades.
 Additionally, the NPA remitted a record N400.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in 2024, nearly double the amount remitted the previous year.
These figures underscore the growing economic significance of Nigeria’s maritime sector when supported by effective institutional leadership.
Oyetola’s Policy Coordination
While the NPA handles operational execution, the broader policy direction guiding the reforms comes from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy led by Adegboyega Oyetola.
The establishment of the ministry itself marked a strategic shift in Nigeria’s economic planning by recognising the maritime domain as a critical driver of national development.
The blue economy encompasses a wide range of activities including shipping, fisheries, marine transport, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
For Nigeria — with over 850 kilometres of coastline and vast maritime resources — these sectors represent enormous untapped economic potential.
Oyetola’s policy framework focuses on strengthening maritime governance, enhancing regulatory coordination and attracting investment into port infrastructure and maritime services.
By aligning policy reforms with infrastructure upgrades and digital transformation, the ministry aims to build a maritime ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic diversification.
Expanding Maritime Trade
Another key objective of the reform programme is to position Nigeria as a major maritime logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
Nigeria’s geographic location already places it along some of the busiest shipping routes connecting Europe, Asia and the Americas with Africa.
However, inefficiencies in port operations historically prevented the country from fully capitalising on this advantage.
With modern infrastructure, improved digital systems and streamlined regulatory processes, Nigeria’s ports could become the preferred destination for cargo serving the West African sub-region.
Evidence of this emerging potential can already be seen in the growing role of ports such as Lekki Deep Sea Port, which has significantly increased container traffic and trans-shipment volumes.
The development of modern ports alongside improved inland logistics networks could transform Nigeria into a regional redistribution centre for maritime trade.

Economic Multipliers

The broader economic implications of these reforms extend far beyond the port terminals themselves.

Efficient ports stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and international trade.
Faster cargo clearance reduces production delays for industries that rely on imported raw materials, while improved export logistics enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets.
Digital trade systems also improve transparency and reduce revenue leakages, strengthening government finances.
In addition, maritime infrastructure investments create employment opportunities across engineering, logistics, information technology and port operations.
Analysts estimate that a fully operational digital maritime ecosystem could generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across the logistics and ICT sectors.
Such economic multipliers highlight why the maritime sector is increasingly viewed as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.
Charting Nigeria’s Maritime Future
The reforms being implemented in Nigeria’s maritime sector represent one of the most significant structural transformations of the country’s trade infrastructure in decades.
By combining port modernisation with digital trade facilitation, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is laying the groundwork for a more efficient and globally competitive port system.
With strong policy coordination from Adegboyega Oyetola and operational leadership from Abubakar Dantsoho at the Nigerian Ports Authority, the maritime sector is gradually being repositioned as a major driver of national economic growth.
If sustained and fully implemented, these reforms could transform Nigeria’s ports into modern logistics gateways capable of supporting industrial expansion, regional trade integration and long-term economic prosperity.
In many ways, the success of this maritime transformation will not only redefine the efficiency of Nigeria’s port system but also shape the country’s role in the future architecture of global trade.
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Realtors seek partnership with Lagos Govt on Omi Eko waterways  transportation project.

Funso OLOJO, Editor.
The €410m foreign creditors  – backed Omi Eko water transportation project of Lagos state government has received a big boost with the interest shown by the  International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI).
The professional Realtors have approached the Lagos state government through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) to explore areas of collaboration around Lagos State’s expanding water transportation system and its broader Blue Economy potential.
The delegation was led by Akin Opatola,  President of FIABCI Nigeria and  Mr. Adeniji Adele, President of FIABCI Africa and the Near East, as well as senior officials and members of the international real estate federation.
The delegation was received by Mr Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, the General Manager of LASWA who also doubles as Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos State.
The two parties discussed the Lagos State’s ambitious efforts to modernize its inland waterways transport system through the OMI EKO Water Transport Project.
The LASWA General Manager outlined the strategic direction of the project and its role in transforming urban mobility across Lagos.
According to  him, the initiative is designed to decongest Lagos roads, improve productivity, reduce transportation costs, and lower carbon emissions, while positioning water transportation as a central pillar of Lagos State’s urban mobility strategy.
He further disclosed that the project will introduce modern ferry operations supported by electrified vessels, upgraded terminals, and integrated transport infrastructure, creating a cleaner and more efficient water transport ecosystem.
Mr Oluwadamilola further told FIABCI delegation that OMI EKO project is supported by a strong international financing structure including, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) – €130 million loan, European Investment Bank (EIB) – €170 million loan, European Union – €60 million grant
Lagos State Government – €40 million counterpart funding
Private sector participation in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
Also, the project will deliver 15 ferry routes across Lagos waterways,
Dredging and marking of approximately 140 kilometers of navigable channels,
Development of 25 modern ferry terminals and jetties, Deployment of electric ferries, Integrated ticketing and improved waterway safety infrastructure.
Following the presentation, members of the visiting FIABCI delegation engaged the LASWA leadership in a round of questions and observations, seeking further clarification on the implementation framework of the OMI EKO project.
Members of the delegation sought insights into issues including terminal development opportunities, private sector participation, integration with urban planning, and the long-term investment potential of Lagos’ water transport corridors.
Mr. Oluwadamilola further elaborated  on the project’s structure and the strategic vision of Lagos State to position water transportation as a key pillar of the state’s evolving Blue Economy.
Speaking during the meeting, FIABCI Nigeria President, Akin Opatola, noted that the modernization of Lagos waterways presents a strategic opportunity to rethink how cities integrate transport infrastructure with real estate and urban development.
Opatola emphasized that major water transport infrastructure projects such as the OMI EKO initiative create new corridors of economic activity, particularly around ferry terminals and waterfront locations.
He stated that the real estate sector has a critical role to play in supporting such infrastructure through transport-oriented development, waterfront regeneration, and the creation of mixed-use economic hubs that can stimulate sustainable urban growth.
He further noted that FIABCI members, as professionals in the real estate and development ecosystem, are keen to explore ways in which urban planning, investment, and property development can align with Lagos State’s water transportation expansion.
Also speaking, Mr. Adeniji Adele, President of FIABCI Africa and the Near East, observed that Lagos is uniquely positioned to become a leading example in Africa of how coastal cities can leverage their waterways to drive mobility, economic development, and sustainable waterfront investment.
He noted that global cities that successfully integrate their waterways into urban life often unlock significant real estate and tourism value, and expressed optimism that Lagos could replicate similar outcomes as the OMI EKO project unfolds.
 Ubong Essien, Founder of the Blue Economy Academy, emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, industry professionals, and investors in delivering large-scale maritime infrastructure initiatives.
Essien noted that Nigeria’s experience in strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea demonstrated that successful sector transformation often begins when all stakeholders are brought to the table at the earliest stages of major projects.
He also pointed out that the 25 ferry terminals planned under the OMI EKO project represent significant opportunities for transport-oriented waterfront development across Lagos, creating new intersections between mobility infrastructure, urban development, and the Blue Economy.
The visit underscores the growing recognition of Lagos waterways as a strategic mobility and economic infrastructure for Africa’s largest city.
It could be recalled that the Omi Eko project was launched in October, 2025.
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