Without Port Modernisation, Nigeria Risks Losing Cargo, Investment, Economic Opportunities – NNMJ
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) has warned Nigeria of the risk of losing cargo, foreign investment and economic opportunities to competing maritime destinations if it fails to modernise its seaports and improve trade facilitation.
Emphasising that the country’s ports must become more efficient, competitive and investor-friendly to support its economic ambitions, it warned that rising global competition and technological changes in port operations could undermine Nigeria’s position as a major maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
The Association’s Chairman, Elder Dele Aderibigbe, gave the warning at the Network’s National Conference, themed “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue”, stressing that Nigeria could no longer afford to delay reforms needed to improve port efficiency and competitiveness.
According to him, “although the country’s seaports remained critical gateways for international trade, major sources of government revenue and drivers of employment, investment and industrial development, questions remained about their capacity to support the nation’s economic aspirations”.
He noted that automation, digitalisation and trade facilitation are rapidly redefining port operations globally, making modern infrastructure and efficient cargo clearance processes essential to attracting investment and retaining cargo traffic.
Aderibigbe said, “Countries that fail to modernise their ports risk losing cargo, investment and economic opportunities to competing maritime destinations. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind”.
He identified efficient port infrastructure, faster cargo clearance, transparent procedures, effective inter-agency collaboration and a business-friendly operating environment as critical requirements for improving the performance of Nigerian ports.
The NNMJ Chairman also called for a balance between government revenue generation and trade facilitation, warning that revenue collection measures should not unnecessarily frustrate legitimate businesses operating within the maritime sector.
He said trade facilitation must translate into shorter cargo dwell time, lower business costs, predictable regulations and improved ease of doing business for importers and exporters, maintaining that Nigerian ports must be capable of generating revenue for the government while remaining attractive to investors and competitive with other ports in the West and Central African sub-region.
While acknowledging efforts by the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and other government institutions to improve port operations, he said more needed to be done to address infrastructure and operational challenges.
Speaking on the role of the media, Aderibigbe said maritime journalists must move beyond reporting developments within ports and government agencies to contributing to policy direction, accountability and the growth of the industry.
He said the media had a responsibility to investigate, educate, scrutinise policies and provide visibility for initiatives capable of advancing the maritime sector, adding that “journalists must hold institutions accountable while maintaining constructive engagement with industry stakeholders”.
He added that the development of the maritime sector required collective responsibility, noting that government agencies, private-sector operators and the media must work together to build an industry where policies are implemented, investments protected and businesses operate without unnecessary bottlenecks.
Aderibigbe reaffirmed the Network’s commitment to promoting responsible maritime journalism, strengthening relationships among industry stakeholders and providing a credible platform for discussions on challenges affecting the sector.
