Port reforms and private investment seen as key to unlocking maritime potential and regional leadership…
Nigeria’s vast economic size has yet to translate into maritime dominance, with the country handling only a fraction of cargo traffic in West Africa, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Speaking in Abuja, the agency’s Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, revealed that Nigeria accounts for more than 60 percent of the region’s gross domestic product but processes only about 25 percent of its cargo volumes, a gap he described as deeply concerning.
The imbalance, he noted, highlights how much untapped potential exists within the country’s maritime sector.
Despite the shortfall, Dantsoho said ongoing reforms are beginning to shift the narrative. He credited the federal government and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Gboyega Oyetola, for driving initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s ports for efficiency and global competitiveness.
Push to unlock the blue economy
At the heart of the reforms is a broader ambition: transforming Nigeria into a leading force in Africa’s blue economy.
Dantsoho stressed that the country’s port system could become a major engine of economic growth if fully optimised, particularly given Nigeria’s strategic location along key international shipping routes.
“With the right structure and investments, our ports can drive trade expansion, attract capital, and significantly boost national revenue,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s large population, geographic advantage, and market size place it in a strong position to emerge as the maritime hub of West Africa if longstanding inefficiencies are addressed.
Reforms targeting efficiency and competitiveness
To close the gap, authorities are rolling out a series of reforms designed to modernise port operations and improve trade logistics.
Key initiatives include:
- Port modernisation projects
- Introduction of a trade single window system
- Deployment of a port community system
- Development of deep seaports
- Full digitalisation of port processes
According to Dantsoho, these measures are expected to streamline operations, reduce delays, and make Nigerian ports more attractive to international shipping lines.
Private sector seen as critical partner
A major pillar of the strategy is increased private sector participation, particularly in financing infrastructure.
Dantsoho noted that partnerships with private investors are already helping to bridge funding gaps while improving operational efficiency across the sector.
The broader goal, he said, is to lower freight costs, improve connectivity, and expand Nigeria’s export capacity especially in non-oil sectors.
Government highlights strategic advantage
Also speaking, Oyetola pointed to Nigeria’s natural advantages, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, as key assets in developing the marine economy.
He noted that the maritime sector already accounts for more than 90 percent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume, underscoring its importance to the country’s economic future.
A gap and an opportunity
While Nigeria’s current share of regional cargo traffic remains relatively low, the gap also represents a significant opportunity.
If ongoing reforms deliver results, the country could not only reclaim lost traffic but also position itself as the preferred gateway for trade in West Africa.
For now, the message from regulators is clear: Nigeria has the scale and location but must fix its systems to fully compete.
