Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has emphasised the importance of port modernisation and regulation in reducing logistics costs and driving economic growth. Speaking at a transport industry forum organised by the Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Lagos, Oyetola noted that transportation logistics play a critical role in determining how efficiently goods move from production centres to consumers. He was represented by Paul Garnuwa, Director, Inland Transport Services, Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency.
Oyetola highlighted the Federal Government's efforts to modernise the country's seaports, strengthen regulation, and improve connectivity with the hinterland. The government has commenced preparations for Nigeria's most ambitious seaport modernisation programme in over five decades, which will cover several major ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, Onne Port, Rivers Port, Calabar Port, and Warri Port. The programme aims to increase port capacity, reduce vessel and cargo-handling delays, and lower logistics costs.
The port modernisation programme includes the reconstruction of quay walls, deepening of channels to accommodate larger vessels, replacement of obsolete cargo-handling equipment, and further digitalisation of terminal and gate operations. Oyetola stressed that port efficiency affects the entire logistics chain, and a delay at the port can have far-reaching consequences for manufacturers, exporters, transport operators, distributors, and consumers. He cited Nigeria's improved performance in international port benchmarking, with Tin Can Island Port ranking 10th and Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, ranking 12th among the world's 20 most improved container ports between 2020 and 2025.
Oyetola also highlighted the removal of the United States Coast Guard's Conditions of Entry on vessels arriving from Nigeria in August 2026. This development is expected to strengthen confidence in Nigeria's port-security arrangements and remove additional procedures affecting vessels travelling from Nigerian ports to the United States. The minister noted that the government's efforts to improve port security and compliance with international regulations have been recognised by the international community.
The minister's remarks were made in the context of the government's efforts to expand port capacity and develop deep seaports in several states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers states. These projects aim to create additional maritime and logistics corridors, reduce pressure on existing gateways, and bring economic activities closer to different parts of the coastline. Oyetola stressed the importance of collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, and private investors in delivering these projects.
Oyetola also emphasised the need for regulatory reform to support an efficient logistics system. He noted that infrastructure alone would not deliver its full economic value without predictable regulation. The enactment of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act 2026 is an important reform, which will provide a permanent institutional framework for regulating tariffs and charges, service standards, competition, and protection of port users.
The minister concluded by urging private-sector players to participate actively in financing infrastructure, operating terminals, deploying technology, and developing logistics services. He also charged transport journalists to continue providing informed reporting and constructive scrutiny of policies and projects in the sector. The government's immediate priority is to ensure that ongoing investments and institutional reforms translate into practical improvements, including faster cargo movement, improved vessel turnaround, greater capacity, stronger security, transparent regulation, and lower logistics costs.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has commenced a major seaport modernisation programme to increase port capacity and reduce logistics costs.
- The programme aims to improve port efficiency, reduce vessel and cargo-handling delays, and lower logistics costs.
- Regulatory reform is critical to supporting an efficient logistics system in Nigeria.
