Key points
- Stakeholders warn Nigeria may lose cargo traffic to neighbouring countries without deep seaport investment.
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan calls for urgent infrastructure upgrade to meet global maritime demands.
- Experts highlight gaps in connectivity, automation and green port development as critical priorities.
Main story
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have warned that the country risks losing its dominance in regional trade if it fails to urgently invest in deep seaport infrastructure.
The warning was issued at the maiden International Deep Seaport Investment Forum (IDSIF) organised by Maritime Media Limited in Lagos, where industry leaders, policymakers and investors converged to discuss the future of Nigeria’s port system.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan cautioned that failure to adapt to modern deep-sea port requirements could leave Nigeria economically disadvantaged in global maritime trade.
He noted that without such investments, large cargo vessels may bypass Nigerian ports entirely, forcing the country to depend on neighbouring nations for transshipment.
Jonathan, however, acknowledged ongoing efforts in deep seaport development, citing projects such as the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State and the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, private investors and international partners—particularly from the Middle East—to drive sustainable port development.
The issues
Despite accounting for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of regional cargo throughput.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, described the situation as a critical mismatch between economic potential and maritime capacity.
Represented by Ikechukwu Onyemekara, Dantsoho said Nigeria must transition from ageing, high-maintenance legacy ports to modern deep seaports to remain competitive.
He identified key gaps in hinterland connectivity, digital integration, green energy adoption and project financing as areas requiring urgent attention.
What’s being said
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to developing modern, automated and environmentally sustainable ports.
Represented by Seyi Iyawe, the minister stressed the importance of efficient cargo evacuation systems and digital automation, especially following the introduction of the National Single Window.
“We know that deep seaports are important. What we should consider is hinterland connectivity and how cargoes are moved. We must also prioritise automation and green port development,” he said.
Former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Timi Alaibe, called for alignment with global best practices, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.
He urged Nigeria to partner with leading global port operators such as DP World, Abu Dhabi Ports and Adani Ports to attract investment and improve efficiency.
Similarly, the Convener of IDSIF and Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Media Limited, Asu Beks, noted that evolving global shipping trends—particularly the use of larger vessels—have rendered many of Nigeria’s existing ports less competitive.
What’s next
Stakeholders called for increased investment in deep seaport projects, improved public-private partnerships and stronger policy frameworks to enhance Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
They also emphasised the need to position new deep seaports as primary hubs for large vessels, while upgrading existing ports to function as feeder terminals.
The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to further increase cargo volumes and create new opportunities for Nigeria to reclaim its regional trade leadership.
Bottom line
Without urgent investment in modern deep seaport infrastructure and supporting systems, Nigeria risks losing its strategic position in West African maritime trade to better-equipped neighbouring countries.
