Headlines

FG moves to end cargo imbalance between Lagos and Eastern Ports

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to address the persistent imbalance in cargo distribution between Lagos and Nigeria’s Eastern ports, insisting that a more balanced and interconnected port system is critical to reducing logistics costs and strengthening the country’s maritime competitiveness.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this at the General Meeting and Conference of the League of Maritime Editors in Lagos, where he said the Federal Government was determined to reposition the nation’s ports to complement one another rather than compete for attention and investment.

Oyetola, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, expressed concern over the heavy concentration of vessel and cargo traffic at Lagos ports, particularly Apapa and Tin Can Island, while major Eastern ports remain relatively underutilised.

According to him, the imbalance has consequences far beyond the ports, affecting national logistics costs, regional economic development, infrastructure utilisation, investment and the overall competitiveness of the maritime sector.

For decades, Lagos ports have handled the bulk of Nigeria’s seaborne cargo, largely because of their historical importance and the concentration of commercial and industrial activities in Lagos.

However, Oyetola noted that the heavy cargo concentration has placed enormous pressure on port and transport infrastructure, resulting in congestion, delays, longer cargo dwell and vessel turnaround times, increased demurrage and logistics costs, pressure on road infrastructure, environmental challenges and inefficiencies across the supply chain.

He said the Eastern ports, including Onne, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar, possess considerable strategic and economic potential that remains largely untapped.

“Their proximity to major industrial, agricultural, energy and commercial activities gives them a natural advantage in serving large sections of Nigeria’s hinterland,” the minister said.

He explained that stronger Eastern ports could support industrial clusters, facilitate exports, promote agro-allied value chains and stimulate economic activities across the South-East, South-South and Niger Delta regions.

But despite these advantages, Oyetola said the ports continue to grapple with draft limitations, inadequate infrastructure, navigation challenges, security concerns, poor hinterland connectivity, inadequate equipment, high operating costs and unreliable services.

These constraints, he noted, have affected their ability to attract regular and competitive vessel calls.

“The result is a cargo distribution imbalance that is neither beneficial to the national economy nor sustainable in the long term.
“Reversing this imbalance is not merely a regional demand; it is a national economic imperative,” he declared.

Lagos, Eastern Ports Must Complement Each Other

Oyetola said the Federal Government was pursuing a strategic approach to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and position the sector as a stronger driver of economic growth.

“The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and its agencies are committed to developing a port system in which Lagos and the Eastern Ports complement one another rather than compete for government attention and investment,” he said.

He explained that the modernisation and rehabilitation of the Eastern ports remain integral to the Federal Government’s broader port development strategy.

The interventions, according to him, will include improving channel depths and navigability, rehabilitating critical port infrastructure, enhancing navigational safety, upgrading cargo-handling facilities, strengthening maritime security and improving the operating environment for shipping lines, terminal operators and cargo owners.

The minister also stressed the importance of private-sector participation, noting that the scale of investment required to modernise Nigeria’s port infrastructure cannot be provided by government alone.

‘We Are Not Developing Lagos at East’s Expense’

Addressing concerns over the government’s ongoing focus on major modernisation projects at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, Oyetola said the prioritisation was based on operational urgency, economic necessity, project readiness and responsible sequencing.

He insisted that investment in Lagos should not be interpreted as a decision to abandon the Eastern ports.

“We are not developing Lagos Ports at the expense of the East. We are strengthening Lagos while building the capacity of the Eastern Corridor to assume a greater and more strategic share of national maritime traffic,” he declared.

According to him, the long-term objective is to establish a genuinely multi-port system where cargo owners and shipping lines have viable alternatives and can select gateways based on efficiency, cost, reliability and proximity to their markets.

However, Oyetola cautioned that infrastructure development alone would not automatically trigger cargo redistribution.

“Shipping lines make commercial decisions based on factors such as port draft, connectivity, security, operating costs and the overall reliability of port services,” he noted.
He therefore stressed the need for simultaneous improvements in infrastructure, security, connectivity, efficiency and the overall business environment.

Eastern Ports as Economic Growth Corridors

The minister acknowledged that the cargo imbalance between Lagos and the Eastern ports was the product of decades of historical, operational and infrastructure-related factors and could not be reversed overnight.

He nevertheless maintained that the imbalance could and must be addressed through deliberate policy and sustained investment.

Oyetola identified strategic infrastructure investment, private-sector participation, digital transformation, improved security and stronger multimodal connectivity as critical components of the solution.

He emphasised that modernising the Eastern ports should not be viewed as an isolated regional intervention, but as part of a national strategy to create a resilient, competitive and interconnected port system.

Under the proposed system, Lagos would continue to serve as a major maritime gateway, while Onne, Warri, Calabar and other viable ports would be developed to handle a larger and more diversified share of national and regional trade.

The ultimate objective, he said, is to create a maritime system where cargo moves through the gateway offering the greatest efficiency, reliability and value, irrespective of geographical location.

He added that achieving this would reduce logistics costs, strengthen regional economies, attract investment, create jobs, improve trade competitiveness and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.

Oyetola Charges Maritime Media on Accountability

The Minister also highlighted the role of maritime journalists in driving reforms and shaping public understanding of developments in the sector.

“The media is not merely a reporter of what happens in the sector. You are an important stakeholder in shaping public understanding, attracting investment and promoting accountability,” he said.

He urged the League of Maritime Editors to continue providing platforms for objective and evidence-based discussions on the challenges confronting the maritime industry.

Oyetola challenged maritime journalists to interrogate government policies, expose bottlenecks, draw attention to areas requiring urgent intervention and report meaningful progress in the sector.

He also assured the media that government must remain willing to listen to constructive criticism.

The minister maintained that the Federal Government’s vision was not simply to expand individual ports, but to create a connected national port network in which Lagos and the Eastern ports operate as complementary gateways.

Such a system, he argued, would distribute cargo more efficiently, reduce pressure on overstretched infrastructure, unlock the economic potential of the Eastern Corridor and ultimately make Nigeria’s maritime sector more competitive.

Headlines

SON joins NESS technical committee, set to boost non-oil exports

Gloria Odion,Maritme reporter

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has secured a place on the Technical Committee of the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS), a development expected to strengthen export quality assurance, improve regulatory coordination and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets.

SON, in a statement issued by its management, said its approval as a member of the committee was a significant recognition of its statutory responsibility for ensuring the quality, safety and conformity of products manufactured in Nigeria, particularly those destined for export markets.

The organisation said its inclusion would strengthen the integration of export conformity assessment into Nigeria’s trade framework, while facilitating the incorporation of its Export Certificate Programme (SONEXCAP) into the National Single Window (NSW).

According to the agency, the development would also promote closer collaboration among government institutions responsible for export supervision, reduce regulatory bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of export certification processes.

SON described the development as more than institutional recognition, noting that it would help position Nigerian products to compete more effectively in the global marketplace, strengthen international confidence in Made-in-Nigeria goods and support the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through non-oil exports.

The organisation maintained that credible standards, product certification and conformity assessment were critical to overcoming barriers to international trade and ensuring that Nigerian exporters meet the technical and quality requirements of destination markets.

Our correspondent reports that the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme was established under the Pre-shipment Inspection of Exports Act of 1996 to provide a framework for the inspection and supervision of goods exported from Nigeria.

Under the scheme, export goods are subjected to inspection by government-appointed inspection agents before shipment to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.

The scheme’s scope was subsequently expanded in 2007 to cover additional export products, reinforcing the government’s regulatory framework for monitoring the quality and standards of goods leaving the country.

SON’s entry into the NESS Technical Committee is therefore expected to strengthen the technical dimension of export supervision by bringing the country’s standards and conformity assessment regulator more directly into the decision-making process.

The development also comes against the backdrop of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand non-oil exports, improve trade facilitation and leverage the National Single Window as a platform for streamlining import and export documentation.

With SON’s participation, stakeholders expect improved alignment between product certification, export inspection and other regulatory procedures, potentially reducing duplication and making the export process more predictable for Nigerian businesses.

The effective integration of SONEXCAP into the National Single Window is also expected to improve transparency, facilitate information exchange among relevant agencies and ease exporters’ access to certification services.

For Nigeria’s non-oil export ambitions to translate into sustainable foreign exchange earnings and stronger economic diversification, stakeholders have consistently emphasised the need for internationally recognised standards, efficient regulatory institutions and a seamless export clearance process.

SON’s inclusion in the NESS Technical Committee is expected to contribute to these objectives by strengthening quality assurance at the export stage and improving the credibility of Nigerian products in international markets.

Headlines

AMANO unveils 2026 National Convention, seeks actionable reforms in maritime sector

Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter

The Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), has unveiled its 2026 National Convention, calling for actionable reforms, stronger regulatory efficiency and effective policy implementation to improve Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The three-day event, scheduled for November 12 to 14, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry operators and international maritime experts to address critical challenges confronting the sector.

Tagged AMANO Convention 2026, the event is themed, “From Policy to Practice: Executing Maritime Excellence Through Professional Capability and Real-World Results.”

Speaking during the media unveiling, AMANO President, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, said the convention was designed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation, stressing the need for practical measures that would translate government initiatives into measurable industry achievements.

He noted that despite the introduction of important frameworks, including the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and reforms in port operations and seafarers’ development, effective implementation remained a major challenge.

Maiguwa said the convention would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine existing policies, identify regulatory and operational gaps and develop recommendations capable of strengthening maritime administration and industry competitiveness.

He added that AMANO would leverage the professional experience of its members across shipping, port management, marine engineering, oil and gas, navigation and maritime law to contribute to sustainable industry development.

Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Chief Jonathan Agassi, said the event would address practical challenges affecting the efficiency, growth and international competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Agassi identified vessel registration and ownership transfer as critical areas requiring urgent reforms.

He cited the experience of a Nigerian shipowner who reportedly spent eight months completing the registration and ownership transfer of a vessel under the Nigerian flag, compared with two weeks for another vessel registered under the Marshall Islands flag.

He said the disparity raised serious questions about administrative efficiency and regulatory bottlenecks, adding that the convention would provide an opportunity for industry operators to examine such challenges and propose workable solutions.

The convention will focus on two major discussion areas considered essential to maritime development.

The first session, “From Policy to Practice: Implementing IMO Standards with Measurable National Results and a Stronger Compliance Culture,” will examine how Nigeria can translate its commitments to international maritime conventions into effective national implementation, improved regulatory compliance and measurable industry performance.

The second session, “Human Element at Sea and Ashore: Turning Training Policies into Competence and Performance,” will focus on strengthening maritime education, training and certification to produce competent professionals capable of improving safety and operational efficiency.

According to the organisers, both sessions are expected to generate specific recommendations identifying implementation priorities, responsible institutions and measurable performance indicators. The outcome will be documented and presented to relevant government authorities and industry stakeholders.

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, and President of the World Maritime University, Mr Maximo Mejia, are expected to attend as Special Guests of Honour.

Other speakers include IMO Consultant and former Nigerian representative at the International Maritime Organization, Mr William Azuh, and Deputy General Manager, Marine, TotalEnergies, Mr Larry Amaraibi.

The panel will feature Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control for West and Central Africa, Capt. Sunday Umoren; Director-General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Mrs Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; Managing Director of STARZS Investment Company Limited, Mrs Iroghama Ogbeifun; and Executive Director, Technical and Operations, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, who will moderate the discussion.

AMANO has called on shipping companies, terminal operators, oil and gas firms, logistics providers, financial institutions, maritime training institutions and other industry stakeholders to participate as delegates, partners and sponsors.

The association also identified opportunities for collaboration in professional development, cadet training, industrial placements and graduate recruitment through its Cadet Work Experience Scheme (CWES).

Maiguwa stressed that the convention would go beyond speeches and deliberations, noting that its recommendations would be forwarded to relevant authorities for consideration and implementation.

He maintained that stronger institutional collaboration, professional competence and the commitment to translate policies into practical results were essential to building a competitive and sustainable Nigerian maritime industry.

Customs

Customs processes 9,195 PAARs, 99,839 SGDs in two months

—generates ₦1.42trn revenue, records $752.85m export value, highlights anti-money laundering drive

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) processed 9,195 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) and 99,839 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) between September and October 2026, while generating a combined revenue of ₦1.42 trillion, underscoring its growing role in trade facilitation, revenue mobilisation and border security.

The figures, which reflect the Service’s operational performance over the two-month period, were disclosed at a joint security press briefing organised at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Speaking at the briefing, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the performance demonstrated Customs’ sustained commitment to streamlining trade processes through efficient documentation, digital interventions and stronger collaboration with stakeholders across the trade value chain.

A breakdown of the figures showed that the Service processed 2,102 PAARs in September and 7,093 in October, bringing the total to 9,195 within the period.

Similarly, 48,832 SGDs were processed in September, while 51,007 were recorded in October, representing a combined 99,839 declarations.

Revenue collection also maintained an upward trajectory, rising from ₦697.84 billion in September to ₦722.91 billion in October. The two-month collection amounted to ₦1.42 trillion, specifically ₦1,420,751,629,260.44.

The figures highlight the Service’s dual responsibility of facilitating legitimate international trade while strengthening revenue collection through improved compliance, efficient cargo documentation and enhanced operational procedures.

Beyond import processing and revenue generation, the NCS reported significant growth in export trade facilitation, particularly at the Lilypond Export Command.

The Command recorded an export value of $752.85 million in the third quarter of 2026, compared with $586.15 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

The performance represents an increase of approximately 22.14 per cent, pointing to the growing contribution of export activities and the impact of measures introduced to facilitate non-oil exports.

The development reinforces the importance of Customs’ role in supporting Nigeria’s export diversification agenda by improving documentation, reducing procedural bottlenecks and facilitating the movement of locally produced goods to international markets.

On the enforcement front, the Service recorded seizures of prohibited and restricted items with a combined Duty Paid Value exceeding ₦8.1 billion during the period under review.

The interceptions covered several categories of prohibited and restricted goods, including illicit drugs, pharmaceutical products, other prohibited items and petroleum products.

The NCS said it continued to work with relevant regulatory and security agencies to ensure the appropriate handling and disposition of seized items, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the nation’s economic and security interests.

A major highlight of the briefing was the Service’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its capacity to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism through cross-border trade.

The NCS disclosed that it was participating in a four-week World Customs Organisation (WCO) Mentoring Mission inaugurated on October 19, 2026, and scheduled to run until November 13, 2026.

The engagement is designed to strengthen the capacity of Customs officers to identify, investigate and address trade-based money laundering and other illicit financial activities associated with international trade.

As part of the programme, the Service held engagements with six relevant agencies between October 27 and 29, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.

The inter-agency engagements are expected to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve institutional coordination and deepen collaboration in tracking suspicious financial transactions linked to cross-border trade.

The Service also highlighted its transition to an electronic currency declaration platform, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to improve transparency, strengthen monitoring and enhance the detection of illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

The digital platform is expected to support more effective monitoring of currency movements and reinforce Customs’ contribution to the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework.

The Service also highlighted its contribution to environmental protection and the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.

During the period under review, six live pangolins were rescued in separate operations in Ogun State. Three were intercepted by the Ogun I Area Command, while another three were rescued by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A.

The rescued animals were subsequently handed over to the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for appropriate care and rehabilitation.

The intervention, according to the Service, was in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The rescue operations underscore the expanding responsibilities of the NCS beyond conventional revenue collection and anti-smuggling activities to include environmental protection, wildlife conservation and the disruption of illegal international wildlife trade.

Taken together, the two-month performance figures and enforcement interventions illustrate the Service’s expanding operational mandate, encompassing trade facilitation, revenue mobilisation, export promotion, border security, financial crime prevention and environmental protection.