Oyetola pushes port expansion as Nigeria targets West and Central Africa trade hub status
- Nigeria expands port infrastructure to enhance trade capacity and logistics in West and Central Africa
- Ongoing digital reforms aim to streamline cargo clearance and improve operational efficiency at Nigerian ports
- Significant maritime investment surge in West and Central Africa highlighted by key industry leaders and stakeholders
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, says Nigeria is expanding its port infrastructure and implementing key maritime reforms aimed at positioning the country as a leading trade and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
Oyetola made the remarks on Monday while declaring open the mid-year session of the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) in Lagos.
Source: Twitter
The meeting, held in Victoria Island, has as its theme: “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development.”
Port expansion plans approved by Federal Government
The minister said the Federal Government has approved the development of additional deep seaports across the country to strengthen trade capacity and improve competitiveness in global shipping.
“Approvals have therefore been granted for the development of additional deep seaports across the country to complement existing infrastructure, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as the preferred maritime and logistics hub for West and Central Africa,” he said.
FG targets modernisation and efficiency
Oyetola said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on modernising port infrastructure through digital systems, improved operations, and stronger coordination among relevant agencies.
He said ongoing reforms had already begun to ease bottlenecks that previously slowed cargo movement at Nigerian ports.
“These efforts have contributed to improved cargo evacuation, reduced vessel waiting time, greater operational efficiency, and a more predictable business environment for port users and investors,” he said.
Digital reforms and port upgrades underway
The minister highlighted the National Single Window project as a major reform designed to simplify cargo clearance through digital integration of agencies operating within the port system.
He also said existing ports would undergo major upgrades, including channel deepening, to accommodate larger vessels and rising trade volumes.
“These upgrades are critical to ensuring that our ports remain globally competitive and capable of supporting larger volumes of trade in the years ahead,” he said.
Maritime security improves with Deep Blue Project
Oyetola said the Deep Blue Project had significantly improved security in Nigerian waters, noting that incidents of piracy had been eliminated while maritime crimes across the Gulf of Guinea had reduced.
He said the development had boosted investor confidence and strengthened Nigeria’s position in regional maritime trade.
Sub-regional investment surge highlighted
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and President of PMAWCA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said West and Central Africa is experiencing a surge in maritime infrastructure investment valued at over $27 billion.
He cited ongoing and planned projects across the region, including developments in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria.
Dantsoho said ports must evolve beyond cargo handling into broader economic drivers within the emerging blue economy.
“The future of the sector lies in areas such as renewable marine energy, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology,” he said.
The three-day event, scheduled from May 18 to 20, 2026, brought together top government officials and industry stakeholders, including governors, private sector leaders, and presidential advisers.
Source: Legit.ng
