Oyetola: Port Modernisation Will Cut Nigeria’s Logistics Costs, Improve Capacity

Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has announced that extensive port modernization efforts will enhance the efficiency, capacity, and competitiveness of Nigeria's transportation and logistics sector. Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, emphasized the importance of integrating road, rail, waterways, ports, and other transport modes with technology and professional regulation to reduce the cost of moving goods and people.

Oyetola spoke at the 2026 Transport Industry Summit in Lagos, alongside Obayendo, highlighting the positive impact of efficient transportation logistics on investment, production, trade, and employment. He stressed the need for ports and waterways to function as interconnected components of the wider transport chain, alongside roads, rail, warehouses, and distribution networks.

The minister revealed that Nigeria would launch its most ambitious seaport modernization program in over 50 years, focusing on improving infrastructure at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, Onne, Rivers, Calabar, and Warri. Major infrastructure improvements including quay wall reconstruction, deepening channels, replacing antiquated cargo-handling equipment, and digitalizing terminal and gate operations are planned nationwide.

The program aims to increase capacity, reduce vessel and cargo delays, lower logistics costs, and strengthen Nigeria's maritime gateways. Oyetola noted that port delays impact manufacturers, exporters, transport operators, distributors, and consumers, and reinforced the need to sustain reforms to achieve shorter turnaround times and predictable cargo movement.

Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard's Conditions of Entry for vessels arriving from Nigeria have been removed after 12 years, following efforts to enhance compliance with international security standards and address port-security gaps. The minister also mentioned ongoing collaborations with state governments and private investors to develop deep seaports in several coastal states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers.

The Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act 2026 will provide a permanent framework for regulating tariffs, charges, service standards, competition, and port user protection. Oyetola urged TCAN to continue its informed reporting and constructive scrutiny of the sector, emphasizing the government's commitment to stakeholder engagement and measurable outcomes such as faster cargo movement, improved vessel turnaround, increased capacity, enhanced security, and transparent regulation.