FG to reduce govt agencies at seaports to seven

The Federal Government, through the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday revealed plans to reduce government agencies at the ports to seven.

This is even as the Minister said that the planned port modernisation project will deepen Apapa and Tin-Can Ports from 12 and 13 metres to 16 and 17 metres draft, respectively.

Addressing newsmen during an interactive session with Editors of print media in Lagos, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy explained that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given a 48-month completion deadline for the port modernization project.

According to Adegboyega Oyetola, “As you are aware, our country is blessed with a coastline of 853 kilometers bordering the Atlantic Ocean in the Gulf of Guinea with significant and diverse marine resources. We have an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 300,000 square kilometers and inland waterways resources estimated at 10,000 km, capable of supporting a vibrant intra-regional trade.

“The potential of this sector to contribute to the country’s GDP is huge. The blue economy comprises activities such as maritime shipping, shipbuilding and repairs, port infrastructure and services, coastal tourism, fishing and aquaculture, blue/renewable energy, seabed mining, underwater cabling, marine biotechnology (pharmaceuticals and chemicals), and water desalination.

“As you may be aware, the Federal Executive Council last week approved the award of contract for the Modernization of the Western Ports (Lagos Port Complex, Apapa & Tin-Can Island Port Complex, Apapa with a completion period of 48 months.

“The modemisation of seaports remains a top priority of this administration. The procurement process for the mordernisation of the Eastern Ports is being fast-tracked. The goal is to ensure that our port system collectively becomes the transshipment hub for the subregion.

“When the mordernisation is completed, the draft of our port will be 16 – 17 meters. It is currently 12 – 13 meters. This will allow bigger vessels to berth and reverse the revenue loss to neighbouring ports of Tema, Lome and Cotonou. These port rehabilitation projects by NPA, are expected to generate over 20,000 jobs.

“To bridge the infrastructure gap, the Ministry is promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to attract private-sector investment in port modernization, channel dredging, automation, inland waterways development, ferry/cruise services, cargo handling equipment deployment, terminal operations, and technological innovation.

“Additionally, we are extending necessary support to private investors to encourage participation in greenfield port projects such as Badagry, llaje, Olokola, Agge, Ibaka, Burutu, Snake Island, Bakassi, Deep Sea Ports as well as the development of never ports and jetties across the country.

“Inland Dry Ports are being developed across the country to enhance trade facilitation. These ports serve as cargo handling and clearance hubs, improving logistics efficiency and easing access to international markets. Recently, the Funtua Dry Port in Katsina State was commissioned.

“Also, similar facilities in Kano and Kaduna are already supporting trade operations., Dry port development in Abia, Plateau, and Borno states are at various stages of development, to further strengthen the nation’s trade infrastructure. Additional dry ports in Oyo, Ogun, and other states are planned.”

On the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW), Adegboyega Oyetola stated, “To further enhance trade facilitation, the government is implementing the National Single Window (NSW) project. This digital platform will streamline trade compliance processes, link ports with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, and create a seamless, efficient system.

“To complement this NSW, the Ministry and NPA are finalizing the Port Community System, an electronic platform to centralize and automate processes among stakeholders in port services.

“His Excellency, Mr. President has provided the political will and support for the take-off of the project, which holds the capacity to increase cargo dwell time at the Nigerian Seaports.

“The Port Community System (PCS), will serve as a One Stop Shop for all the stakeholders in the Port System. It is part of the digitalization of port processes and operations. NPA is working hard to institute the PCS. The Ministry has initiated consultations to reduce the number of agencies at the seaports to a maximum of seven. This is to fast-track port processes and improve ease of doing business.

“The Ministry, through NPA, is driving an agenda to deploy technology at the ports to enhance operational efficiency. This initiative includes the deployment of scanners by the Nigeria Customs Service to improve transparency at the ports, a Vessel Tracking System, a regulatory Process Portal, an International Cargo Tracking Note to boost revenue and guarantee security, and a Truck Call Up System to reduce traffic congestion. All these initiatives are propelled by inter-agency collaboration.”

On fisheries, the Honourable Minister added “Fisheries and Aquaculture are central to our vision to grow Nigeria’s blue economy sector. The Ministry’s strategic focus sustainably is to upscale fish production, tapping into the full spectrum of our marine resources.

“Following the transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry, we have stepped up engagements with stakeholders to identify needs and generate initiatives to grow the sub-sector.

“The policies and strategy to govern the subsector have been finalised with the support of IFPRI, AU-IBAR and other international partners. A review of the Sea Fisheries Act is due to address critical gaps and align it with the country’s current realities, particularly in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated. We plan to commence a review soonest.

“Leaming from best practices in countries like Morocco, the Ministry is engaging with various private sector actors to establish a state-of-the-art fish harbours and terminals on a PPP basis.

“I am glad to inform you that Nigeria achieved 100% compliance in 2024 during the Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) re-certification exercise held in September last year. This exercise was carried out by the US Department of State. The re-certification of Nigeria’s exports rights through the TED implementation programme is aimed at facilitating the export of shrimps and other fish products to the USA, EU and other markets.”

On maritime security, Oyetola explained that “Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the crucial shipping lanes that traverse West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

“The implementation of the Deep Blue Sea Project and the Falcon Eye Surveillance Systems, featuring advanced surveillance and response systems, has significantly strengthened maritime security. These efforts have sustained our zero-piracy record in the region in the last three years.

“By deploying cutting-edge maritime security assets, Nigeria has cemented its role as a critical guardian of maritime security.

“In furtherance of our improved international posture in world maritime governance, we have proposed a bid to contest election into the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council (Category C) during the 34” IMO Assembly scheduled to hold in London in November/December 2025.

“| am pleased to inform you that Mr. President has approved, and the IMO has been duly notified. We have begun the preparatory processes.”