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.

Commentaries

Choking in Apapa, idle in Calabar: Fixing Nigeria’s one-sided maritime system

Monday Discourse with Ibrahim Nasiru

For decades, Nigeria has been doing something completely upside down with its maritime business

We have over 850 kilometers of beautiful coastline, yet we force almost all our international trade to squeeze through just two choked locations: Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos.

The result? Nightmare traffic jams, crazy demurrage fees, and local businesses dying because their goods are trapped at sea for weeks.

But from what we saw at the World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos, a real, common-sense change might finally be on the horizon.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, laid out a very clear plan under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” ,

He promised that the government is fully committed to modernizing ports outside Lagos—specifically Onne, Warri, and Calabar—while building new deep seaports in places like Ondo, Ibom, and Bonny.

He also unveiled a big drive to train young Nigerian sailors to global standards so they can compete for jobs anywhere in the world.

As an analyst who looks at the actual numbers, this is where we need to pay close attention.

The ministry has already scored some big wins. Getting the United States Coast Guard to lift its long-standing security restrictions on ships coming from Nigeria is a massive deal.

It means fewer delays, lower shipping insurance costs, and cheaper goods for ordinary Nigerians when those savings drop down the supply chain.

Also, moving our local fish production from 1.1 million to 1.4 million metric tonnes shows that things are actually moving.

However, during her keynote presentation at the event, maritime expert, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro, hit the nail on the head.

She reminded stakeholders that Nigeria’s maritime future depends entirely on moving from sound paperwork to actual, visible results.

Let’s tell ourselves the home truth: the real success of Oyetola’s ministry will not be judged by the fine speeches or brilliant policies presented at luxury hotels.

It will be judged by how quickly we can break the monopoly of the Lagos ports.

Opening up the eastern and southern ports is no longer just a good idea; it is a matter of economic survival.

When you make Onne, Warri, and Calabar fully functional, you instantly bring life back to regional economies, create thousands of local jobs, and make things cheaper for tens of millions of citizens living outside the South-West.

But a port is completely useless if you cannot get goods out of it. You cannot run a modern port if you rely only on heavy trucks fighting broken roads.

Oyetola’s ministry must work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Transport. We need to see working rail lines laid straight into the ports of Onne and Calabar, connecting them directly to Inland Dry Ports like Baro and Onitsha.

Also, the government must use the new Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency(NPERA) Act to completely crush the official corruption, crazy hidden charges, and delays that have historically scared international shipping lines away from our eastern ports.

The roadmap is there, and the international community is already noticing through the lifted US security restrictions.

Now, the federal government needs the political muscle to build the rail and road connections to back it up.

It is time to move from policy to practice, open up our eastern waterways, and let the whole country breathe.

Ibrahim Nasiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja

Headlines

NIWA reaffirms commitment to safer waterways, maritime excellence

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safer waterways, improved navigation infrastructure and sustainable economic growth, declaring that effective implementation of maritime policies remains critical to unlocking Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential.

The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, gave the assurance in his goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration, themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence.”

Girei congratulated maritime stakeholders on the occasion and commended their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

He stressed that policies could only deliver meaningful value when translated into concrete actions that improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety and stimulate economic growth.

“This year’s theme reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth,” he said.

The celebration was attended by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood; the chairperson and keynote speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; directors and heads of departments; chief executives of agencies under the Ministry; members of the diplomatic corps; maritime industry stakeholders; and the media.

The NIWA chief executive reiterated the Authority’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with state governments, industry operators, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, enhance safety standards, modernise facilities and safeguard the waterways that sustain millions of livelihoods.

According to him, excellence in the maritime sector requires collective commitment, supported by skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and an operational culture that prioritises safety and environmental sustainability.

He added that sustained collaboration among stakeholders would help build a maritime industry capable of competing globally while responding to the needs of local communities and emerging economic opportunities.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” Girei stated.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and other stakeholders for their contributions to the growth and advancement of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The NIWA boss urged participants at the celebration to move beyond shared commitments and translate their collective vision into practical initiatives capable of delivering measurable improvements across the sector.

A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to winners of the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition, sponsored by NIWA as part of efforts to encourage young Nigerians to develop an interest in the maritime sector.

Girei participated in the presentation of prizes to the winners, who received cash awards and laptop computers in recognition of their outstanding performances.

Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, emerged first and received ₦200,000 and a laptop computer.

Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, came second, winning ₦150,000 and a laptop computer, while Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, took third position, receiving ₦100,000 and a laptop computer.

The initiative underscored the importance of engaging younger generations in maritime development and encouraging early awareness of the sector’s economic, environmental and social significance.

Girei, on behalf of the NIWA Board, Management and staff, wished maritime stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration, reiterating the Authority’s commitment to safer inland waterways, operational excellence and sustainable development.

Headlines

World Maritime Day 2026: NIMASA DG calls for action to translate policies into maritime gains

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has called for stronger implementation of maritime policies to translate Nigeria’s vast maritime potential into tangible economic benefits, improved operational efficiency and greater opportunities for Nigerians.

Mobereola made the call while addressing stakeholders at the commemoration of World Maritime Day 2026 on Friday, October 16th, 2026 with the themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”

He stressed the need for government institutions and private-sector operators to focus on measurable results that would strengthen the maritime industry and contribute to national economic development.

According to him, the strength of a maritime nation is determined not only by the policies it formulates but also by its ability to implement them effectively and deliver meaningful outcomes for its citizens.

He described Nigeria’s maritime sector as a critical pillar of economic growth, noting that it serves as a gateway to international trade, a driver of investment and employment, and a major contributor to the activities of businesses and industries across the country.

The NIMASA chief said this year’s theme challenged stakeholders to look beyond policies, regulations and institutional frameworks and assess the extent to which their implementation improves the performance of the maritime industry and the livelihoods of Nigerians.

He disclosed that Nigeria accounted for more than 46 per cent of total port calls in the Gulf of Guinea region in 2025, underscoring the country’s strategic importance in regional maritime activities and the need to strengthen the institutions, infrastructure and human capacity required to sustain its position.

Mobereola, however, maintained that maritime excellence should not be measured by shipping traffic and operational statistics alone, but also by the safety and security of Nigerian waters, the efficiency of port and shipping operations, environmental protection, seafarers’ welfare and the participation of Nigerians in maritime asset ownership, management and operations.

The Director-General stated that NIMASA remained committed to ensuring that maritime regulations and government policies translated into practical results capable of improving safety, efficiency, professionalism and economic opportunities within the sector.

He noted that, over the past two years, Nigeria had recorded significant progress in several critical areas with the support and strategic leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

Among the achievements highlighted were four consecutive years without reported piracy incidents in Nigerian waters, Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence, and the lifting of United States Condition of Entry restrictions after 12 years.

Other milestones included the establishment of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) application portal and ongoing preparations for fund disbursement, the full automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry, and the implementation of the IMO Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Compliance Audit after 18 years.

Mobereola described these developments as important milestones that demonstrated the impact of sustained institutional reforms and strategic interventions in the maritime sector.

He explained that improved maritime security strengthens the confidence of shipowners, operators, workers and investors, while the automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry enhances operational efficiency and strengthens the country’s participation in the global maritime system.

Similarly, he said improved seafarer training and certification standards would enhance the professional competence of Nigerian maritime personnel and expand their employment opportunities within the international maritime labour market.

On maritime financing, the NIMASA boss noted that access to funds through the CVFF could enable indigenous operators to acquire vessels, expand their businesses, create employment and improve Nigeria’s capacity to participate in shipping activities.

He emphasised that the real value of government policies lies in their practical implementation and their ability to deliver measurable benefits to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Despite the progress recorded, Mobereola cautioned against complacency, stressing that existing gains must be sustained through continuous investment, stronger collaboration among government agencies, technological innovation, capacity development and modern maritime infrastructure.

He maintained that achieving maritime excellence required a collective commitment from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, its agencies, other government institutions, terminal operators, shipowners, seafarers, maritime labour unions, financial institutions, academic institutions, development partners and private-sector operators.

According to him, effective collaboration among these stakeholders would be essential to addressing industry challenges, strengthening institutional capacity and unlocking the full economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He also highlighted the importance of the Blue Economy in promoting sustainable resource management, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring that the country’s marine and maritime resources contribute more significantly to national development.

Looking ahead, Mobereola urged stakeholders to prioritise practical actions that would transform Nigeria’s maritime potential into sustainable economic value, noting that the success of maritime policies must ultimately be reflected in improved industry performance and better opportunities for citizens.

The Director-General also acknowledged the contributions of maritime workers and professionals, describing them as central to the effective functioning of the maritime industry and the continuity of global trade.

He recognised the dedication of seafarers, dockworkers, port workers, ship operators, regulators, security personnel, engineers and other maritime professionals whose efforts sustain shipping operations and international commerce.

Mobereola stressed that their safety, welfare, professional development and dignity must remain central to the formulation and implementation of maritime policies.

He also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for providing strategic direction and appreciated government institutions and industry stakeholders for their continued contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

As the country marked World Maritime Day 2026, the NIMASA chief called for renewed commitment to building a maritime industry that is safe, secure, efficient, environmentally sustainable and globally competitive, with strong indigenous participation.

He urged stakeholders to work collectively towards translating policies into practical achievements that would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime position, create economic opportunities and deliver lasting benefits to the nation.

Mobereola concluded by reiterating the need for stakeholders to move beyond policy formulation and focus on effective implementation as the foundation for sustainable maritime development.