Blue Economy Awakens: Reforms Power Nigeria’s Maritime Ambition For Regional Dominance
Nigeria’s long-underutilised maritime sector is showing signs of a strategic revival, as sweeping reforms and renewed policy direction position the country to compete for dominance in Africa’s blue economy.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has credited the transformation to the impact of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside ongoing federal government reforms.
Speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, Dantsoho assured investors that Nigeria possesses the capacity to lead Africa’s maritime space, driven by reforms and increased private sector participation.
He stressed that Nigeria’s port system remains central to unlocking investments and accelerating economic growth, calling for a shift towards full utilisation of the nation’s vast marine resources in line with global sustainability goals.
Despite accounting for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, Dantsoho noted that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic, a gap he described as a clear sign of underperformance.
However, he said the tide is turning, with key initiatives such as port modernisation, the deployment of a Trade Single Window, Port Community System, deep seaport development and full digitalisation of operations already underway to boost global competitiveness.
Dantsoho added that private sector funding is critical to bridging infrastructure gaps, improving efficiency and enhancing connectivity, with the ultimate goal of reducing freight costs, attracting larger vessels and expanding non-oil exports.
Also speaking, Minister Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s natural advantages, including its 823-kilometre coastline and strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea, noting that the maritime sector accounts for over 90 per cent of the country’s international trade by volume.
He said improved coordination, strengthened maritime security and investor-friendly reforms are already boosting confidence in the sector.
Both officials expressed optimism that sustained reforms would reposition Nigeria as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.
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