‘Ports Modernisation Will Boost Competitiveness’

The modernisation and comprehensive upgrade of the Nigeria Ports with global standards will attract larger vessels and boast competitiveness, economic expert and spokesperson of the Ministry Of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola has said.

Akinola disclosed that the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola has already secured approval in 2025 for Nigeria’s first comprehensive port upgrade and modernisation in over 50 years, breaking another jinx that left the nation’s ports operating on obsolete infrastructure.

Titled “Oyetola broke stubborn jinxes constraining Nigeria’s maritime growth in 2025,” the statement noted: “This milestone signals the beginning of a transformative era that will align Nigerian ports with global standards, boost competitiveness, attract larger vessels and position the country as a maritime and logistics hub for West and Central Africa.”

Akinola further noted that the marine and blue economy sector has been decisively unlocked for genuine growth and development under Oyetola’s leadership, with several long-standing jinxes — once thought permanent — successfully broken.

Speaking on one of the areas the minister has tackled, Akinola said

“Foremost among these achievements was the resolution of the notorious Apapa gridlock, which for over 20 years paralysed the Lagos port corridor and severely disrupted trade. By early 2024, sustained policy coordination, operational discipline and infrastructure optimisation delivered lasting relief to Apapa and its environs.

“Clearing of the gridlock significantly reduced cargo dwell time, lowered logistics costs, enhanced port efficiency and removed a major disincentive to investment, effectively restoring the Lagos ports as functional gateways for national and regional commerce.

“Another long-standing setback was Nigeria’s prolonged absence from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council in 2025, after a 14-year absence from the global maritime decision-making body, followed a keenly contested election and marked a significant restoration of the country’s international maritime standing. Achieved under Minister Oyetola’s focused leadership, the feat strengthened Nigeria’s influence in shaping global maritime regulations, reinforced its leadership role in Africa and reaffirmed international confidence in its maritime governance.”

In a related landmark development, the ministry also issued compliance certificates for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port and the Ondo Deep Sea Port to the governors of Cross River and Ondo States, respectively.

According to Akinola, the issuance of the certificates represents a critical regulatory breakthrough that clears the way for accelerated investment, construction and eventual operations of the two ports, further expanding Nigeria’s port capacity and strengthening regional trade connectivity.