FG Commences Procurement for Port Modernisation Outside Lagos — Oyetola
FG Commences Procurement for Port Modernisation Outside Lagos — Oyetola
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced the procurement process for the modernisation of seaports outside Lagos, marking a major step toward equitable maritime development across the country. The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to boosting logistics efficiency, port competitiveness, and national economic integration.
Oyetola disclosed this on Wednesday at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria.” The event, held in Lagos, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss strategies for modernising Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and fostering sustainable growth.
Federal Government’s Balanced Development Agenda
Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Minister explained that the port modernisation drive is a deliberate policy to ensure that maritime growth is not concentrated in Lagos alone.
“The Federal Government has approved a one billion US dollar modernisation project for the Lagos ports — a landmark initiative designed to upgrade infrastructure, improve cargo handling, and expand capacity to meet global standards,” Oyetola stated.
“In addition, the procurement process has commenced for similar modernisation projects at ports outside Lagos, to ensure balanced development across our maritime gateways.”
This development, according to Oyetola, reflects a broader vision to decentralise port operations, enhance regional economic participation, and reduce congestion in Lagos, which currently handles over 70 percent of Nigeria’s cargo traffic.
Modernisation, Efficiency, and Technology-Driven Reforms
Oyetola stressed that the goal of the port modernisation plan is not merely infrastructural renewal, but a complete digital and operational transformation of Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem.
“We are working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” he said.
The minister added that Nigeria’s maritime sector is being repositioned to meet international best practices through advanced automation systems, improved cargo logistics, and stronger security protocols under the Deep Blue Project, which has successfully maintained zero piracy incidents for over three years.
“Since the inception of the Ministry, we have focused on strategic reform and institutional strengthening. With the Deep Blue Project and other interventions, we are safeguarding our maritime domain to encourage investment and reduce the cost of doing business,” he added.
The National Blue Economy Strategy: A 10-Year Vision
Oyetola also announced that the Federal Government has developed a comprehensive 10-year National Blue Economy Strategy, which seeks to harmonise policies in maritime trade, fisheries, logistics, and coastal development. The framework aims to foster sustainable economic growth while protecting marine biodiversity and supporting coastal communities.
The strategy prioritises public-private partnerships (PPP), regulatory reforms, and targeted incentives to attract domestic and foreign investment.
“Our goal is not growth for growth’s sake, but sustainable and inclusive growth — one that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity,” Oyetola emphasised.
He urged professionals within the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) to support the federal vision by promoting green transport technologies, capacity building for young practitioners, and data-driven logistics planning.
CILT Reports 242% Revenue Growth Amid Reforms
In her address, the President of CILT Nigeria, Mfon Usoro, lauded the Ministry’s reforms while revealing that the Institute has achieved a 242 percent increase in revenue over the past four years.
According to Usoro, CILT’s financial performance rose from ₦7.8 million in December 2021 to ₦55 million by the third quarter of 2025, while its liquid assets surged from ₦17 million in early 2022 to ₦123 million by Q3 2025.
She attributed this growth to discipline, transparency, and governance reforms, noting that all financial transactions now undergo quarterly auditing and budgetary review.
“Every disbursement request is scrutinised and audited quarterly. The outcome has been phenomenal,” she said.
CILT, established in 1958 and affiliated with the global headquarters in the United Kingdom, serves as the professional body for logistics and transport practitioners in Nigeria. The organisation recently adopted a modern Accounting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to strengthen accountability and streamline audits.
Stakeholders React: Balancing Optimism and Skepticism
While government officials and industry experts hailed the move as a transformative step for Nigeria’s maritime future, some citizens expressed mixed reactions to the announcement.
On social media and online platforms, several Nigerians commended the initiative, calling it “long overdue”, while others voiced skepticism about implementation and transparency. Some argued that previous efforts to revive ports outside Lagos — such as those in Calabar, Warri, and Onne — had been stalled by bureaucratic bottlenecks and political imbalance.
A few commentators maintained that addressing freight cost disparities and administrative bottlenecks is crucial for the success of the new modernisation drive, noting that importers often avoid eastern ports due to higher clearing costs and inadequate infrastructure.
Nevertheless, maritime analysts believe that if faithfully executed, Oyetola’s initiative could revolutionise Nigeria’s port system, decongest Lagos, and unlock vast economic opportunities in other coastal regions.
Toward a Sustainable and Competitive Maritime Future
As Nigeria looks to reposition itself as a leading maritime hub in West Africa, the success of the port modernisation agenda will depend on transparent procurement, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained political will.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under Oyetola’s leadership, appears focused on this vision — combining infrastructure renewal with digital transformation and sustainability principles.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to align with the national goal of creating a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive blue economy that supports trade, job creation, and environmental preservation.
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