Economy

Nigeria Targets 20,000 New Jobs Through Extensive Port Infrastructure Projects

Published

1 month ago

Feb 16, 2025.

Femi Fabunmi

Nigeria’s Maritime Sector Poised for Transformation

FG Intensifies Modernisation Efforts to create New Jobs
FG highlighted the ministry’s ongoing reforms, infrastructure developments, and policy innovations

The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to position Nigeria’s maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and globally competitive Africa.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed this commitment during an interactive session with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) recently in Lagos.

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He highlighted the ministry’s ongoing reforms, infrastructure developments, and policy innovations designed to boost efficiency, attract investments, and enhance Nigeria’s global maritime competitiveness.

Port Modernisation: A Key Priority

A major highlight of Oyetola’s address was the modernisation of Nigeria’s major ports to improve efficiency and trade facilitation. He revealed that the Federal Government has approved the award of contracts for the modernisation of the Western Ports, including the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa, and Tin Can Island Port Complex. These strategic upgrades aim to transform Nigeria’s ports into world-class facilities, reducing congestion, lowering costs, and improving turnaround time for cargo handling.

Recognising the need for balanced development across the country, the Minister also disclosed that the government is fast-tracking the procurement process for the modernisation of the Eastern Ports, which include Port Harcourt, Onne, Calabar, and Warri ports.

“These projects will not only enhance trade facilitation but also generate over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, further reinforcing the maritime sector’s role in national prosperity,” Oyetola stated.

Expanding Nigeria’s Port Infrastructure

Beyond modernising existing ports, the Federal Government is making significant investments in new port projects across the country. Oyetola listed key projects at Badagry, Ilaje, Olokola, Agge, Ibaka, Burutu, Snake Island, and Bakassi Deep Seaports. These deep-sea ports are expected to increase Nigeria’s maritime capacity, boost regional trade, and position the country as a logistics hub in West Africa.

In addition, the government is strengthening inland trade by expanding dry port infrastructure. The recent commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina is expected to improve cargo movement to the northern region, reducing dependence on coastal ports. Similar facilities in Kaduna and Kano are receiving operational support, while projects in Abia, Plateau, and Borno are at various stages of completion. These inland ports will decongest the seaports, promote export trade, and improve supply chain logistics.

Boosting Exports and Trade Balance

The Minister emphasised that recent policy reforms and trade facilitation initiatives have led to a significant increase in export volumes, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). He credited improvements at export terminals as a key driver of this positive trend.

“We are witnessing a more favorable trade balance, thanks to streamlined export processes, improved infrastructure, and better collaboration between regulatory agencies,” Oyetola noted.

A major initiative supporting this progress is the National Single Window (NSW)—a digital platform that simplifies compliance processes, enhances inter-agency coordination, and reduces bureaucracy in cargo clearance.

To complement the NSW, the government is finalising the Port Community System, a centralised electronic platform that automates all port-related transactions, enabling a seamless, paperless environment for importers, exporters, shipping companies, and regulatory agencies.

“This will serve as a one-stop shop for all stakeholders, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and cost reduction in port operations,” Oyetola explained.

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Strengthening Maritime Security

Nigeria’s maritime security has also seen remarkable improvements, with the country recording zero piracy incidents for three consecutive years in the shipping lanes of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola attributed this success to the Deep Blue Sea Project and the Falcon Eye Surveillance Systems, which have provided advanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities.

“The significant reduction in piracy has boosted investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and reinforced our status as a safe and secure maritime hub,” the Minister added.

Nigeria Seeks Greater Influence in Global Maritime Governance

In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s role in global maritime affairs, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the country’s candidacy for a Category C seat in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). If successful, Nigeria will gain a stronger voice in shaping international maritime policies, advocating for Africa’s interests, and influencing decisions on sustainable blue economy development.

A Vision for the Future

With these ambitious reforms and investments, Nigeria’s maritime sector is set to play a pivotal role in national economic growth, trade expansion, and job creation. The government’s strategic focus on port modernisation, security, digital transformation, and global engagement positions the sector as a key driver of the country’s long-term development agenda.

As Oyetola concluded, “Our vision is to create a modern, efficient, and globally competitive maritime industry that will not only drive economic diversification but also make Nigeria a leading maritime nation in Africa and beyond.”

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