The Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) has called for an integrated approach to port modernisation, cargo logistics, data management and inter-agency collaboration to improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime industry and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in international trade.
The call was made at the Network’s National Unity Conference held in Lagos, where industry stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, maritime professionals and journalists examined the challenges confronting the sector and explored practical solutions to improve port operations, facilitate trade and enhance revenue generation.
The conference, themed “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue,” emphasised that Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading maritime hub in Africa would remain difficult to achieve without efficient ports, reliable logistics infrastructure, effective regulatory coordination and technology-driven operations.
Participants noted that port modernisation should extend beyond the construction of new terminals and the acquisition of cargo-handling equipment to include efficient movement of goods from the ports to their final destinations.
The conference was chaired by Barrister Temisan Omatseye, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, attended as the Special Guest. The keynote address was delivered by maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN.
Other prominent participants included the Chairman of the Port Consultative Council (PCC), Dr Bolaji Sunmola, alongside representatives of government agencies, maritime associations, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders.
A major highlight of the conference was a technical session which examined the operational, infrastructural and policy issues affecting Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The session placed particular emphasis on logistics, data, cargo movement, shipping capacity and the need for stronger collaboration among maritime regulatory agencies.
Speaking during the technical discussions, participants stressed that the ability to move goods efficiently from the ports to their destinations was as important as the capacity to receive vessels and discharge cargo.
They observed that poor road infrastructure, inadequate rail connectivity, congestion and other logistical challenges continue to increase the cost of doing business and undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The session therefore advocated an integrated transportation system connecting the seaports with inland markets, industrial centres and other commercial destinations.
It also examined the possibility of strengthening feeder services between Lekki Port and ports in the Delta and Eastern regions to improve cargo distribution and enhance the utilisation of existing port infrastructure.
On data management, the technical session highlighted the importance of reliable information in modern port administration, particularly in vessel monitoring, cargo documentation, revenue assurance and operational planning.
Participants maintained that maritime agencies must embrace improved data collection, verification and information-sharing systems to support efficient decision-making and reduce operational bottlenecks.
The discussion also proposed a more structured advance ship-entry notification system through which information about incoming vessels and their cargoes would be made available to relevant government agencies before arrival.
Under the proposed arrangement, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would have access to relevant vessel and cargo information ahead of arrival, enabling them to prepare for necessary regulatory and operational procedures.
The session further explored the possibility of strengthening the presence of the Nigeria Customs Service at major overseas ports of origin to facilitate early access to shipping and cargo information and improve risk assessment.
Participants noted that such arrangements could help reduce delays, strengthen cargo monitoring, improve regulatory oversight and minimise revenue leakages.
The technical discussions also examined Nigeria’s shipping capacity, including references to the country’s approximately 340-vessel fleet.
Participants stressed the need for a clearer understanding of the composition and operational capacity of the fleet, while calling for policies that would encourage indigenous vessel ownership and strengthen Nigerian participation in the shipping business.
The conference also identified solid minerals as an important opportunity for diversifying Nigeria’s export earnings.
It urged the Federal Government to encourage local processing and value addition in the solid minerals sector rather than relying predominantly on the export of unprocessed mineral resources.
Stakeholders noted that efficient port logistics, adequate transportation infrastructure and reliable shipping arrangements would be essential to making Nigerian mineral exports competitive in international markets.
On port modernisation, the conference observed that inadequate infrastructure, obsolete facilities, congestion and operational inefficiencies remain significant challenges to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
It called for sustained investment in modern cargo-handling equipment, digital port systems, improved terminal operations and supporting infrastructure.
Participants also emphasised the need to accelerate the implementation of the National Single Window initiative to eliminate duplication of documentation, harmonise regulatory procedures and improve cargo clearance.
The initiative, they noted, would facilitate information exchange among government agencies and private-sector operators while reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with import and export processes.
The conference further called for stronger collaboration among NPA, NIMASA, NCS, terminal operators, shipping companies and other relevant stakeholders to improve port efficiency.
It maintained that revenue generation and trade facilitation should be pursued together, rather than through policies that impose additional costs and delays on legitimate businesses.
Another important issue addressed was the role of maritime journalism in promoting accountability and supporting industry development.
Participants stressed that maritime journalists must move beyond routine reporting of official statements and industry events to provide deeper analysis of policies, operational challenges and their economic implications.
The technical session challenged journalists to improve their understanding of maritime data, logistics operations, shipping statistics and regulatory developments.
It emphasised that effective maritime reporting requires industry knowledge, data literacy, investigative skills and the ability to verify information before publication.
The conference consequently called for regular training programmes to strengthen journalists’ capacity in data journalism, digital reporting, investigative journalism and emerging technologies.
It also urged government agencies and private-sector operators to provide journalists with timely access to accurate information to improve the quality of industry reporting.
On professional development, the Network reaffirmed the importance of unity, cooperation and solidarity among maritime journalists, noting that a united media community would be better positioned to engage stakeholders and advocate reforms in the industry.
The conference also emphasised the need for journalists to uphold professional ethics, accuracy, fairness and independence in reporting maritime developments.
In its resolutions, the conference called on the Federal Government to sustain investment in port infrastructure, improve road and rail connectivity, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and ensure the effective implementation of the National Single Window.
It also urged maritime agencies to adopt improved data-sharing systems, introduce more effective advance vessel information arrangements and strengthen cargo monitoring to enhance operational efficiency and revenue assurance.
The conference further advocated policies to encourage indigenous shipping capacity, promote local processing of solid minerals and reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.
The Network maintained that Nigeria’s aspiration to build a $1 trillion economy would require a competitive maritime sector capable of supporting international trade, industrial development, investment and export growth.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible maritime journalism, strengthening industry accountability and providing a platform for constructive engagement between policymakers, regulators, operators and other stakeholders.
The Network expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, maritime agencies, industry stakeholders, sponsors, partners, speakers and participants for their contributions to the success of the conference.
It pledged to sustain engagement with stakeholders through professional reporting, industry-focused advocacy and continued discussions on policies capable of advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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