Samson Echenim 
The Federal Government has commenced the reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos under the Western Port Rehabilitation Programme.
This is as Nigeria offers to host the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos, a frontliner request which been endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos, at a high-level maritime stakeholders forum aimed at accelerating the implementation of the recently approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
The minister also hinted that procurement processes for the reconstruction of the Port Harcourt Port is currently in top gear.
“These physical upgrades are being matched with digital innovations such as the Port Community System, an electronic call-up platform, and a unified One-Stop-Shop for port clearance—all aimed at reducing congestion, boosting investor confidence, and re-establishing Nigeria as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa,” the minister said.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalising indigenous shipping capacity through the revival of a National Carrier under a public-private partnership model. He reiterated the ongoing processing of disbursement of Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund (CVFF) by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) would significantly expand opportunities for Nigerian shipping operators.
Speaking on Nigeria’s leading role in maritime security of the Gulf of Guinea, the minister emphasised that maritime security remained central to the ministry’s agenda.
“Through the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years, earning praise from the international community and contributing to regional maritime stability. Nigeria’s offer to host the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos has been endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council,” he disclosed.
The Minister spoke on the Ministry’s digitisation drive, which has resulted in consistent growth in revenue and operational efficiency across agencies.
He said: “Procedural bottlenecks are being addressed, and investment is rising in bonded terminals, dry ports, inland logistics corridors, and warehousing. Nigeria is steadily moving towards becoming the maritime and logistics gateway for the sub-region.
“In terms of regional cooperation, Nigeria is championing the operationalisation of the Regional Maritime Development Bank under the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), which will be headquartered in Abuja and offer long-term maritime infrastructure financing.
“The recent strides in enhancing inland waterways transport by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has seen the ministry implementing the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation, 2023, and launched a national water safety campaign,” Oyetola said.
“Over 42,000 safety jackets have been distributed, ferries and patrol boats deployed, and water marshals trained—all contributing to reduced boat mishaps and renewed public confidence in water travel.”
On the fisheries and aquaculture front, the minister said the recent transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry has sparked renewed efforts to reposition the sector.
These, he noted, include the revival of fishing terminals, automation of licensing systems, and incentives for responsible investment in aquaculture.
