Posted on April 23, 2025
Maritime experts have cautioned that Nigeria must urgently consolidate its recent port reforms or risk losing its strategic trade advantage to neighboring West African countries.
Speaking at an industry dialogue organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), stakeholders acknowledged progress made by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) but stressed the need to sustain and deepen the momentum.
The forum brought together key industry players, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), and the Abuja MoU on Port State Control for West and Central Africa.
Discussions focused on boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness through digital innovation, regulatory streamlining, and enhanced hinterland infrastructure.
Capt. Sunday Umoren, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, warned that failure to build on the reforms could see Nigeria cede its leadership position in regional trade to more proactive neighbours.
He said: “Significant efforts have been made, and it’s time to ensure that these gains are not lost to uncoordinated charges or outdated processes.
“Trade diversion to neighbouring ports can be curbed if Nigeria’s ports remain attractive in terms of cost and efficiency.”
He further stressed the critical importance of connecting ports to inland transport networks.
“Ports are only as strong as their links to inland logistics. NPA’s ongoing collaboration with other government agencies on multimodal transport must be sustained,” Umoren added, calling for urgent investment in roads and rail infrastructure to reduce port congestion and delays.
The call came amid ongoing initiatives by the NPA to automate port operations and enhance infrastructure across terminals, particularly with new developments like the Lekki Deep Sea Port already showcasing the possibilities of modernisation.
ANLCA President, Emenike Nwokeoji commended recent reforms but highlighted lingering challenges affecting port users.
“There’s a collective recognition that the port ecosystem is improving, but certain operational issues still drive up cost and dwell time. By streamlining overlapping charges and harmonising processes, we can reduce the burden on importers and exporters,” he said.
Similarly, NAGAFF President, Tochukwu Ezisi, represented by Secretary Emeka Nwosu, reiterated the importance of sustaining reforms through stakeholder coordination.
“We are not unaware of the efforts being made, especially in terms of automation and new port developments. However, more coordination among agencies and stakeholders will help speed up the process and reduce delays,” Ezisi stated.
Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Bolaji Sunmola, whose message was delivered by maritime lawyer, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), emphasised the importance of full-scale digital transformation to align Nigerian ports with global benchmarks.
“NPA’s digital drive, such as the push for a Port Community System, is a welcomed move. The faster we implement it fully, the sooner we can enjoy streamlined operations across the board,” Sunmola stated.
Drawing parallels with world-class ports in Singapore and Rotterdam, Sunmola noted, “Technology has transformed port efficiency worldwide. Nigeria is on that path, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port is already showing signs of what is possible when we embrace innovation.”
He recommended fast-tracking the deployment of the National Single Window, leveraging artificial intelligence for berth and cargo tracking, and expanding public-private partnerships.
“Shared innovation between government and the private sector has been the foundation of successful port reforms globally,” he noted.
LCCI President, Gabriel Idahosa, tied the conversation to the country’s broader trade ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Nigeria’s ports are key to our regional trade ambitions. With stronger infrastructure and regulatory coherence, we can attract more investment and cut logistics costs for businesses,” he said.
Idahosa pointed to the financial impact of inefficiencies in the nation’s ports, estimating losses to businesses at N2.5 trillion annually due to congestion and bureaucratic delays.
“Stakeholders must continue working with agencies like the NPA to ensure ongoing initiatives deliver measurable results,” he added.
As West and Central Africa’s maritime landscape grows increasingly competitive, the message from the forum was clear: Nigeria’s port reform gains must be protected, deepened, and accelerated if the country hopes to become a logistics hub for the region.
