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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria is stepping up efforts to reposition itself as a leading maritime hub in West Africa, with a broad reform agenda focused on modernising its ports and unlocking the potential of the blue economy.

The push, driven by the federal government under President Bola Tinubu, combines policy changes, infrastructure upgrades and institutional restructuring aimed at strengthening the country’s role in regional trade, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area .

At the heart of the strategy is a plan to transform port operations, expand capacity and improve efficiency in order to attract a larger share of cargo traffic across the region.

For years, Nigeria’s ports have handled the bulk of the nation’s international trade, accounting for more than 90 per cent of cargo by volume. However, persistent challenges such as congestion, ageing infrastructure and fragmented processes have weakened their competitiveness, allowing smaller neighbouring countries to gain ground.

Authorities are now seeking to reverse that trend through coordinated reforms spanning legislation, financing, regulation and digital systems, in what industry observers describe as a long-overdue reset of the maritime sector.

Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, indicated that the country’s port system must adapt to the realities of a more integrated African market if it is to remain relevant and competitive.

He said: “The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth”.

Under AfCFTA, where trade barriers are steadily being dismantled, Dantsoho cautioned that efficiency, not geography, will determine which countries dominate cargo flows.

“Nigeria’s geographical advantage alone is no longer sufficient.

“Efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability will define leadership in this new era,” he said.

Nigeria’s drive to transform its maritime sector has gathered pace following an early policy shift under President Bola Tinubu, marked by the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The move signalled a broader rethink of the country’s economic priorities, with a focus on harnessing the vast potential of its coastal and marine resources.

The new ministry, led by Adegboyega Oyetola, was created to bring together previously scattered responsibilities within the sector and unlock an estimated multi-trillion-dollar blue economy opportunity.

Since then, the government has rolled out a layered reform plan that blends infrastructure development with policy changes. A key component of this effort is an ambitious port modernisation programme, backed by both the executive and the legislature.

As part of this, the House of Representatives approved a one-billion-dollar loan request to support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port, two of Nigeria’s most vital trade gateways. The intervention is aimed at tackling long-standing infrastructure gaps, improving operational efficiency and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global shipping.

The overhaul is also tied to wider economic objectives under the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, with a strong emphasis on boosting non-oil exports and diversifying trade.

On the ground, the Nigerian Ports Authority has begun targeted improvements at Apapa and Tin Can Island, focusing on expanding berths, upgrading cargo handling systems and cutting down vessel waiting times.

The modernisation effort is not limited to Lagos. Plans are already in motion to extend upgrades to ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar, in what officials describe as a deliberate push for more balanced development across the country’s maritime network.

“We are committed to a balanced and inclusive development of port infrastructure across the country,” he said, noting that nationwide upgrades will enhance connectivity and stimulate regional economic growth.

In parallel, new deep seaports are being developed in multiple coastal states, including Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Ondo, to expand capacity and decongest existing facilities.

The emergence of deep seaports such as Lekki Port is already reshaping Nigeria’s maritime landscape, enabling the handling of larger vessels and increasing cargo throughput—key requirements for competing in global shipping networks.

Infrastructure alone, however, is not the focus of the reforms. The government is also pushing an aggressive digitalisation agenda aimed at eliminating inefficiencies associated with manual processes.

Key initiatives include the deployment of a Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window platform, both designed to integrate stakeholders, streamline documentation and enhance transparency.

Industry experts say these systems could significantly reduce cargo clearance times and lower the cost of doing business—longstanding concerns among importers and exporters.

The push toward a “paperless, technology-driven port environment” is expected to improve turnaround time, curb corruption and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a logistics hub.

Operational reforms are also targeting reduced cargo dwell time, faster clearance processes and improved service delivery across terminals.

Recognising that port efficiency extends beyond quay walls, the government is investing in multimodal logistics to improve cargo evacuation and inland connectivity.

Rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and dedicated export corridors are being expanded to ease congestion and ensure seamless movement of goods across the country.

Dantsoho stressed that without efficient hinterland connectivity, gains made at the ports would be difficult to sustain, an acknowledgment of the systemic challenges that have historically undermined Nigeria’s logistics chain.

Another critical pillar of the reform agenda is maritime security, which has seen notable improvements in recent years.

Nigeria has recorded over four years without piracy incidents, a development attributed to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced surveillance systems.

This progress has significantly boosted investor confidence, creating a more stable environment for maritime operations and infrastructure development.

Private sector participation is also being actively encouraged, with the NPA adopting project financing models to bridge funding gaps and accelerate development.

“We are open to private sector participation through project financing. This approach is already improving efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure,” Dantsoho said.

The early results of these reforms are beginning to reflect in revenue performance and sectoral growth.

According to Oyetola, agencies under the ministry increased their combined revenue from about N700.79 billion in 2023 to approximately N1.83 trillion in 2025, a surge attributed to improved efficiency, transparency and regulatory reforms.  Beyond revenue, the broader economic implications are significant.

Efficient ports are expected to reduce logistics costs, boost export competitiveness and support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, particularly in non-oil sectors.

Analysts argue that with AfCFTA opening up a continental market, Nigeria’s ability to handle increased trade volumes efficiently could determine its position in Africa’s economic hierarchy.

Despite its size and economic weight, Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in West Africa, even though it accounts for more than 60 per cent of the region’s GDP.

Dantsoho described this imbalance as a clear indication that the country has not fully optimised its potential.

“It is worrisome that Nigeria, despite controlling over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic. This clearly shows that we have not fully optimised our potential,” he said.

The AfCFTA presents both an opportunity and a risk. Countries with efficient, technology-driven ports are likely to capture a larger share of trade flows, while those lagging behind could be sidelined.

Nigeria’s current reform push is therefore as much about catching up as it is about leading.

Both government officials and industry stakeholders are optimistic that the ongoing reforms will reposition Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

Oyetola has repeatedly pointed to the country’s strategic location, extensive coastline and large market as natural advantages that can be leveraged for growth.

“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a prime location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness the immense potential of the marine and blue economy,” he said.

Dantsoho echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that sustained reforms will usher Nigeria into a new phase of maritime competitiveness.

“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.

Despite visible progress in the maritime overhaul, a number of obstacles continue to threaten the pace and success of the reforms. Persistent infrastructure shortfalls, administrative bottlenecks, limited funding and the need for consistent policy direction remain key concerns.

There is also growing debate over whether improvements at the nation’s ports will be matched by progress in critical supporting sectors such as inland transport networks, electricity supply and industrial capacity, all of which are essential to fully realise the gains of a modern maritime system.

Even so, current policy direction points to a deliberate attempt to confront these challenges through coordinated reforms and targeted investment.

As the country pushes to diversify its economy and compete more effectively within the region, the blue economy is increasingly seen as a strategic growth area.

The combination of policy shifts, infrastructure development and institutional restructuring underway represents one of the most far-reaching efforts in recent years to reposition the sector.

If maintained, these initiatives could significantly alter Nigeria’s standing in African trade, turning its ports into more efficient drivers of economic activity.

With regional competition intensifying, the stakes are high, and Nigeria’s bet on its maritime sector may well influence its economic path for years to come.

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…defend reforms, warn against one-term presidency calls

By Gloria Ikibah

A political support group, under the auspices of the ‘Renewed Hope Grassroots Initiatives’, has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to back him for a second term in 2027 in the interest of stability and continuity.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Director Generalof the group, Jaafaru Sa’ad, said the administration had made measurable progress despite inheriting deep-rooted challenges.

Sa’ad argued that Nigeria’s long-standing security concerns predate the current administration and should not be solely attributed to it.

He added that reforms in the security and intelligence architecture will take time to yield results.

“Insecurity did not start with President Bola Tinubu. He inherited it from the four past Presidents, and he is dealing with it and solving them.

“Trying to blame President Tinubu for the security challenges is disingenuous.”

“The President is redesigning the intelligence and security architecture he inherited and these things do not materialise overnight,” he said.

On the issue of power rotation, Sa’ad stressed the importance of allowing the current administration to complete a full term in line with established political balance.

He warned Nigerians against political actors advocating a single four-year term, arguing that such proposals could disrupt governance and national balance.

“In the spirit of equity, fairness, good conscience and national unity, it becomes just, fair and equitable for President Tinubu to be allowed the chance to complete his 8yrs tenure.

“It would amount to injustice and a call for unrest should the South… be denied the opportunity of completing their tenure.”

“A single term of four years does not grant enough time to effect any substantive change and capable of truncating the peaceful rotational presidency we have enjoyed.

“Nigerians should be wary of desperate politicians who are promising them one term in office. A single term of four years does not grant enough time to effect any substantive
change and capable of truncating the peaceful rotational presidency we have enjoyed so far as a nation. If they could not fix a state they governed in eight and did not turn it into an Eldorado in that region, it exposes the underbelly fraudulent character of men who are desperately gallivanting the nooks and crannies of Nigeria seeking to hide under fake promises to usurp power. This also exposes their naivety and lack of the understanding of the complexities of governance,” he said.

Sa’ad who made reference to what he described as signs of economic recovery under the current administration, cited improvements in inflation figures, foreign reserves and investor confidence.

“Economic growth is returning to Nigeria courtesy of the
many works and economic reforms being carried out by Mr. President. Inflation rate which hit a 30-year high of 34.8% in December 2024, went down to 15.2% in December 2025. The International Monetary Fund, IMF, expects the Nigeria economy to expand by 4.4% in 2026.

“This is largely because of the work being done by Mr. President. Another huge indication that Mr. President is doing a fantastic job to rebuild the economy, is that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, foreign exchange reserves have risen to $46billion, which is the highest the country has witnessed in the last seven years.
“On October 24th, 2025, the President welcomed the news of Nigeria’s delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. What does this mean? It’s a massive milestone in president Tinubu’ financial governance reform. Being on the grey list meant international friction and higher costs for Nigerian businesses. Its removal signals global confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
“Other key areas that have helped the economy through the initiatives of the President include the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange reforms that have bolstered investor confidence, and over $5 billion in oil and gas investment decisions in 2024.,” he said.

On social intervention, he referenced education financing and welfare programmes introduced by the government.

“Tinubu’s administration grants access to education for the poor and middle classes who would not have considered education,” he noted, referring to the student loan scheme and support initiatives.

Sa’ad further listed major infrastructure projects across the country as evidence of a broader development agenda aimed at national integration.

He called for patience, and acknowledged that reforms often come with short-term hardship.

“It is in the light of these and many others too numerous to mention that we, the members of the Renewed Hope Grass Root Initiatives, RHGI, call all on Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu another four years in 2027 to complete the beautiful work he has been doing.

“Reforms everywhere in the world comes with a lot of cost. It comes with pains. And like the saying goes, no pains, no gains. Nigerian should endure today for a brighter and better future.
“The Renewed Hope Grassroots Initiative stands firmly in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, advocating for the completion of his eight-year tenure to ensure regional equity and the consolidation of the transformative governance he has initiated within the last three years.

“Through our grassroots-oriented membership structure of 18 National Working Committee Members, 109 Zonal Directors, 6,066 LGA Executives, 61,663 Ward Executives, and 884, 225 Unit Representatives cutting across the 36 States and FCT, 774 LGAs, 8,809 Wards, and 176, 845 polling units of the Federation, we aim to reach and mobilize three million Nigerian Voters for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reelection bid and ensuring a hitch free coast to power at the presidential election poll”.

The Director-General of RHGI therefore urged Nigerians to support the President’s re-election bid, saying the group would mobilise voters nationwide to ensure continuity in 2027.

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Despite uncertainty the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled its official timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, outlining a detailed schedule aimed at ensuring transparency, internal democracy, and compliance with electoral regulations.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the timetable reflects its commitment to an orderly and credible nomination process ahead of the general elections.

According to the schedule, the sale of nomination forms will begin on May 5 and end on May 10, 2026. Aspirants are expected to submit their completed forms between May 11 and May 13.

The party will conduct screening of aspirants from May 14 to May 15, with the results to be published on May 17.

Those dissatisfied with the screening outcome will have the opportunity to appeal between May 18 and May 19, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 20.

Primary elections for legislative positions—including State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate—are slated to hold simultaneously at the ward level on May 21. Governorship primaries will follow on May 22, while the presidential primary election is scheduled for May 25.

The process will culminate in a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee on May 26 and a Special National Convention on May 27, where final ratifications of candidates are expected to take place.

The ADC also announced the fees for nomination forms across various positions. The presidential form is pegged at ₦100 million, governorship at ₦50 million, Senate at ₦20 million, House of Representatives at ₦10 million, and State House of Assembly at ₦3 million.

To promote inclusivity, the party introduced concessional rates, offering a 50 percent discount to youths and a 25 percent reduction for women and persons with disabilities.

The party urged its members, stakeholders, and prospective aspirants to strictly adhere to the timetable and guidelines to ensure a smooth and credible primary election process.