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Oyetola secures £746m financing deal with UK govt to upgrade, modernise Apapa, Tin Can ports.

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola, has unveiled a landmark £746 million financing agreement with the United Kingdom that will deliver the most ambitious modernisation of Nigeria’s seaport infrastructure in nearly half a century.
The deal is expected to transform the country’s principal maritime gateways and repositioning its port system for global competitiveness.
The historic financing arrangement, secured with the backing of UK Export Finance (UKEF), will fund the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Lagos Port Complex Apapa, popularly known as Apapa Port, and the Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos.
Together, the two ports handle more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s imports and exports, and serve as the central arteries of the nation’s maritime trade.
The landmark financing agreement will be formally signed during the high-profile state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to London on March 18 and 19, 2026, signalling a deepening of strategic economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while opening a new chapter in Nigeria’s maritime development.
The Minister described the financing package as a transformative milestone for the country’s port system, noting that the scale and scope of the modernisation project mark the first comprehensive overhaul of the facilities since their establishment.
The Lagos Port Complex Apapa, established in 1913, has for more than a century remained Nigeria’s oldest and busiest seaport, serving as the gateway for a vast proportion of the nation’s imports and exports.
The Tin Can Island Port Complex was later developed to complement Apapa and was officially commissioned on 14 October 1977.
Despite their strategic importance, neither facility has experienced a modernisation programme of this magnitude, making the initiative the most significant port upgrade undertaken by the Federal Government in almost fifty years.
According to Oyetola, the project forms a central pillar of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy while restoring efficiency and global competitiveness to the country’s maritime infrastructure.
“This financing agreement represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime sector,” the minister said.
 “For decades, Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port have borne the weight of our national trade, yet their infrastructure has not kept pace with the scale and complexity of modern global shipping.
” What we are set to do is not merely an upgrade, but a comprehensive transformation that will bring our ports into alignment with international best practice.”
He emphasised that the partnership with the United Kingdom reflects a shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and advancing sustainable maritime development.
“Through this historic collaboration with the United Kingdom, we are laying the groundwork for a new era in the management and operation of Nigerian ports,” Oyetola said.
 “Modern infrastructure supported by digitalised and automated processes will significantly enhance efficiency, transparency and operational reliability.
* Our objective is clear: to create a port system that is modern, competitive and capable of serving as a strategic maritime hub for West and Central Africa.”
He said the modernisation programme will introduce advanced cargo-handling infrastructure, expanded port capacity and integrated digital systems designed to eliminate many of the operational bottlenecks that have historically slowed cargo movement through Nigeria’s busiest ports.
 Oyetola noted that once completed, the reforms will fundamentally reshape the operational landscape of Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
Vessel turnaround times are expected to decline significantly, while cargo dwell times within the ports will be sharply reduced as automated systems replace paper-based procedures and outdated manual processes.
“Efficiency at the ports is central to the health of the national economy,” he said.
 “By modernising our infrastructure and embracing digital technologies, we will enable faster clearance of imports and exports, reduce demurrage and logistics costs for businesses, and ensure a more predictable and transparent cargo movement system.
These improvements will not only ease trade but will also stimulate economic growth and generate increased revenue for national development.”
The Minister added that the transformation of the two port complexes will strengthen Nigeria’s strategic position within regional and global maritime networks, attracting greater shipping traffic and reinforcing the country as a vital gateway for trade across West and Central Africa.
“Our vision is to build a port system that reflects the aspirations of a modern and globally competitive Nigeria.
” The modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports is a bold and necessary step in that direction. It will enhance the efficiency of our logistics chain, deepen investor confidence and ensure that Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure is capable of supporting the nation’s long-term economic ambitions,” Oyetola added.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.
In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation  and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.
The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .
The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
 Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.
The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.
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Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of  blue economy

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.
However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their
adherence to international standards.
The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.
 These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.
Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.
Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.
Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.
 As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.
Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.
Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.
If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.
Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.
Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.
Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.
That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the  UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures
This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.
That is why the  government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN),  Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre  for maritime education and professional development.
Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
 Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.
From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.
 It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.
In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.
 By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
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