Nigeria's Regional Trade Dominance at Risk Without Deep Seaport Investment
Former heads of state, port administrators, government officials, state governors, and maritime industry leaders have issued a stark warning: Nigeria faces a future where its cargoes may be diverted and transshipped through neighboring countries if it does not urgently invest in deep-sea ports. This consensus emerged at the maiden International Deep Seaport Investment Forum (IDSIF), organized by Maritime Media Limited in Lagos.
Urgent Calls for Infrastructure Modernization
Former President Goodluck Jonathan emphasized that failure to invest in and adapt to deep-sea port infrastructure could leave Nigeria economically disadvantaged and risk its sidelining in global maritime trade. He noted that without proactive measures, large vessels might bypass Nigerian ports entirely, forcing reliance on neighboring countries for cargo handling before transshipment into the domestic market. Jonathan acknowledged growing interest in deep seaport development across several states, citing ongoing and proposed projects like the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State and the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, private, and international maritime investors, many based in the Middle East, to drive sustainable port development. Jonathan also stressed the importance of integrating financial institutions into maritime investment strategies, highlighting the critical linkage between the banking and maritime sectors for long-term success.
Economic Necessity and Investment Opportunities
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, presented on 'Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Nigeria’s Deep Seaports,' stating that the country is at a crucial maritime juncture. Nigeria accounts for over 60% of West Africa's gross domestic product (GDP), yet only 25% of regional cargo currently passes through its ports. Represented by General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, Dantsoho said transitioning from ageing, high-maintenance legacy ports to modern deep seaport infrastructure is now an economic necessity.
He highlighted significant gaps offering high-value investment opportunities, including hinterland connectivity, digital integration, green energy, and future project models. Dantsoho noted that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enhance these investments through a surge in cargo volumes, stimulated export trade, and regional hub status to compete with ports in Lome (Togo) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast).
Other benefits include revenue diversification through NPA's expansion into value-added logistics, warehousing, and distribution services, as well as adopting global benchmarks like Rotterdam or Tangier Med for competitive turnaround. Dantsoho added that new deep-sea ports must be positioned as 'primary mother-ship hubs,' utilizing legacy ports as efficient feeders to capture both regional transshipment and domestic destination cargo.
Government Commitment and Global Benchmarks
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by NPA's General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Planning, Seyi Iyawe, affirmed the Federal Government's commitment to a green port development agenda while moving away from conventional ports. Oyetola stressed the importance of hinterland connectivity, digital automation, and green initiatives, noting challenges in transportation and the need for automated ports following the launch of the NSW.
Former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe, underscored aligning Nigeria's coastal and maritime infrastructure with global best practices, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea. He emphasized that continuous investment is vital to safeguarding trade routes and strengthening investor trust, with the sector holding significant potential for economic growth if properly harnessed.
Alaibe highlighted global benchmarks, pointing to leading port operators like Abu Dhabi Ports, DP World, and Adani Ports as examples of successful large investments in maritime infrastructure. He urged the government and private sector to engage such international partners and replicate proven models for efficient port systems and logistics networks.
Industry Perspectives and Future Directions
Convener of IDSIF and Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Media Limited, Asu Beks, noted that Nigeria, with a coastline spanning over 853 kilometres, is a critical player in maritime nations. He called for collective support to reposition and revitalize the port industry. Beks pointed out that despite developments at Apapa, Tin Can, and Port Harcourt ports, evolving global maritime dynamics favor larger and faster vessels, shifting attention to deep seaports with greater draft capacity.
This shift has rendered many of Nigeria's ports, particularly river ports, less competitive. The forum concluded with a unified message: without immediate and substantial investment in deep seaports, Nigeria risks losing its regional trade dominance, facing economic setbacks and increased dependency on neighboring countries for maritime logistics.
