Industry leaders in Nigeria’s maritime sector believe that collaboration among all key sectors of the economy and engagement from all levels of government is necessary for the country to compete globally.

According to Leadership, Mfon Usoro, National President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport Nigeria, stated, “It’s a multistakeholder issue that requires collaboration across various stakeholders. The silo approach does not work.”

The marine and blue economy sector has introduced a ten-year policy aimed at achieving an annual growth target of 7 percent and creating 100,000 new jobs each year.

Usoro proposed a “whole-of-government” approach to integrated planning and execution, incorporating the blue economy into national and local government policies and programs. “It has to be regarded as a national project for it to become a reality,” Usoro emphasized.

Usoro added that it is the responsibility of every sector to view the maritime sector as an “enabler” of growth in other areas. “All stakeholders need to come together to take action,” she noted. Regarding funding, experts suggest that collaborative support from other ministries is essential.

Oluwafikayo Ogunrinde, representing Echefu Ukattah, head of Maritime Practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, said, “I’m not sure that the Nigerian Ports Authority can independently raise a bond. If the NPA cannot do it alone, then the Ministry of Finance, for example, must be involved.”

Patricia Igwebuike, Commissioner for Transport in Anambra State, stated that her office is contributing to this effort, recognizing the poor condition of roads and the need for collaboration to ensure that Onitsha River complements other ports in Nigeria.

Usoro agreed, saying, “We don’t have adequate road infrastructure to connect terminals to manufacturers, markets, and farms. As a result, we invest in dredging that ultimately does not benefit us.”

Usoro also noted the lack of Nigerian ownership in seagoing vessels, citing a 2021 report by the NPA that 4,100 vessels called at the nation’s ports, but “none of them flew the Nigerian flag.” Experts agree that a comprehensive approach is necessary to enhance competitiveness in shipping, suggesting that import taxes imposed on shipowners be eliminated.