Nigeria’s government said it has secured interest from international partners, including AD Ports Group and DP World, to revive a national shipping carrier as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime sector.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola made the announcement during a stakeholders’ engagement and ministerial retreat in Lagos, outlining steps to boost indigenous shipping capacity.
“We have made significant progress toward the refloating of a national shipping carrier,” Oyetola said. “We have secured the interest of reputable international partners to bring this vision to fruition.”
He said the proposed carrier would help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign shipping lines, retain more maritime revenue within the economy and create jobs.
Push for local capacity
Oyetola linked the initiative to broader efforts to strengthen local operators, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund to support indigenous shipowners.
“By empowering local operators, we are strengthening national capacity and positioning Nigeria for greater participation in global shipping,” he said.
Port upgrades and expansion
The minister said the government’s port modernization program is nationwide and not limited to Lagos, addressing concerns about uneven infrastructure development.
He said procurement is underway to upgrade ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar, alongside approved improvements for Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
Oyetola also said approvals have been granted for new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Ondo states.
He added that the initiatives align with the government’s broader economic diversification agenda and are expected to boost trade, lower business costs and attract investment.
