By Kingsley Benson
The federal government has moved to revive Nigeria’s long-abandoned national shipping carrier, securing interest from major international operators from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a broader strategy to reposition the country’s maritime sector.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, recently disclosed that global port and logistics firms, including AD Ports Group and DP World, have indicated readiness to partner with Nigeria on the initiative. The planned carrier is expected to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity, retain more value within the domestic economy, and expand employment opportunities.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have made significant progress toward the refloating of a National Shipping Carrier. We have secured the interest of reputable international partners who are collaborating with us to bring this vision to fruition,” Oyetola said.
The renewed push reflects growing concern over Nigeria’s dependence on foreign shipping lines, which currently dominate the movement of goods in and out of the country, with limited local participation in the value chain.
According to the minister, the new carrier will work alongside other policy measures aimed at building local capacity, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, designed to provide financial support to indigenous shipowners.
“By empowering local operators, we are strengthening national capacity and positioning Nigeria for greater participation in global shipping,” he said.
Beyond shipping, the government is also advancing a nationwide port modernisation programme to improve infrastructure and operational efficiency. Oyetola dismissed suggestions that upgrades are limited to Lagos, noting that procurement processes are already underway for ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, in addition to approved improvements at Apapa and Tin Can Island.
He described the modernisation effort as a comprehensive reform that will enhance port efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time, and improve cargo handling capacity.
Looking ahead, the government has also approved the development of new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo States, a move expected to ease congestion at existing facilities and open up new economic corridors.
“These projects will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, decongest existing ports, open up new economic corridors, and position our country as a leading maritime gateway in Africa,” Oyetola said.
The combined initiatives signal a coordinated attempt to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry as a driver of trade and economic diversification, while reducing structural inefficiencies that have long constrained the sector.
