NETWORK OF NIGERIA MARITIME JOURNALISTS CALLS FOR COORDINATED REFORMS IN THE MARITIME SECTOR
Theme: “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue”
Held in Lagos, Nigeria, November 2026
The Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ), at the end of its National Unity Conference, organised under the theme, “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue,” has called for urgent and coordinated reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector to enhance port efficiency, strengthen trade facilitation, improve revenue generation and position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
The conference brought together maritime industry stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, port operators, shipping professionals, journalists and other industry practitioners to examine the challenges confronting Nigeria’s maritime sector and identify practical solutions for unlocking its economic potential.
The conference was chaired by Barrister Temisan Omatseye, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, was the Special Guest. The keynote address was delivered by maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN.
Other prominent personalities and industry stakeholders who participated in the conference included Dr Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman of the Port Consultative Council (PCC), and other representatives of regulatory agencies, maritime associations and private-sector organisations.
Following extensive deliberations, presentations and technical discussions, the conference observed as follows:
1. Port Modernisation and Infrastructure Development
The conference noted that the modernisation of Nigeria’s seaports remains fundamental to improving the country’s competitiveness in international trade.
It observed that inadequate infrastructure, obsolete facilities, congestion, operational bottlenecks and insufficient investment in port equipment continue to undermine the efficiency of Nigerian ports.
Participants stressed the need for sustained investment in port infrastructure, automation, modern cargo-handling equipment and technology-driven operations.
The conference urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to accelerate port modernisation initiatives, ensuring that Nigerian ports meet international standards and are capable of handling increasing cargo volumes.
It further emphasised the need to improve access roads connecting ports to major commercial centres, noting that congestion outside the ports often undermines operational improvements within the terminals.
2. Trade Facilitation and Ease of Doing Business
The conference identified multiple regulatory procedures, overlapping responsibilities among government agencies and delays in cargo clearance as major obstacles to efficient maritime operations.
It called for stronger inter-agency collaboration among the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), shipping companies, terminal operators and other relevant stakeholders.
Participants emphasised the importance of implementing seamless cargo clearance procedures that would reduce bureaucratic delays, improve vessel turnaround time and lower the cost of doing business.
The conference also called for the effective implementation of the National Single Window initiative to eliminate duplication of documentation and facilitate the exchange of information among relevant agencies.
It maintained that Nigeria must move towards a more efficient port administration system capable of supporting the country’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
3. Logistics, Cargo Movement and Connectivity
The conference’s technical session placed particular emphasis on logistics as a critical component of port efficiency and international trade.
Participants observed that the importance of a seaport cannot be measured only by its capacity to receive vessels or discharge cargo, but also by its ability to ensure the efficient movement of goods from the port to their final destinations.
The session stressed that logistics infrastructure, including roads, rail networks, inland waterways and other transportation systems, must be developed alongside port infrastructure.
It noted that delays in moving cargo out of the ports increase the cost of doing business, contribute to congestion and expose importers and exporters to additional demurrage and other avoidable charges.
The conference therefore called for an integrated transportation system that connects seaports with inland markets, industrial centres and other commercial destinations.
It also advocated stronger connectivity among Nigeria’s ports, including the development of feeder services that would facilitate the movement of cargo between Lekki Port and ports in the Delta and Eastern regions.
Such arrangements, participants observed, could improve the utilisation of existing port infrastructure, promote regional trade and reduce pressure on major ports.
4. Data Transparency and Technology-Driven Port Operations
The conference underscored the growing importance of accurate, accessible and reliable data in modern maritime administration.
During the technical session, participants emphasised that data is indispensable to effective port planning, cargo monitoring, vessel management, revenue assurance and policy formulation.
The discussion highlighted the need for relevant maritime agencies to improve data collection, verification, sharing and utilisation.
A proposal was also made for a more structured ship-entry notification system through which advance information about incoming vessels and their cargoes would be shared with relevant authorities, particularly NIMASA, NPA and the Nigeria Customs Service.
The proposed arrangement would enable the agencies to receive relevant vessel and cargo information before ships arrive at Nigerian ports, allowing them to undertake necessary preparations and documentation.
Participants also discussed the possibility of strengthening Nigeria Customs Service’s presence at major overseas ports of origin to facilitate early access to shipping and cargo information and improve the identification of potential risks before vessels arrive in Nigeria.
The conference noted that effective data-sharing arrangements would strengthen regulatory oversight, improve operational planning, minimise delays and enhance revenue collection.
5. Clarification of Nigeria’s Shipping Capacity and Fleet Development
The technical session also examined Nigeria’s shipping capacity, including discussions around the country’s approximately 340-vessel fleet.
Participants stressed the importance of properly understanding and communicating the composition of Nigeria’s maritime fleet, distinguishing between different categories of vessels and their operational functions.
The conference observed that Nigeria’s maritime development ambitions must be supported by a stronger domestic shipping industry, increased investment in vessel ownership and improved capacity for indigenous operators.
It called for policies that would encourage Nigerian participation in shipping, maritime logistics and other critical segments of the maritime value chain.
6. Solid Minerals Export and Economic Diversification
The conference identified solid minerals as an important opportunity for expanding Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings.
Participants observed that the country must move beyond the export of unprocessed mineral resources and develop the capacity to process and add value to its solid minerals before export.
The technical discussions highlighted the importance of efficient port logistics, adequate infrastructure and reliable shipping arrangements in supporting the export of processed mineral products.
The conference urged the Federal Government to promote investment in mineral processing, strengthen export infrastructure and develop policies that would encourage value addition within the country.
It noted that improved maritime logistics would be essential to making Nigeria’s solid minerals competitive in international markets.
7. Revenue Optimisation and Reduction of Revenue Leakages
The conference observed that inefficiencies in port operations, inadequate data management, cargo documentation challenges and weak inter-agency coordination could contribute to revenue leakages.
It therefore called for greater transparency, accountability and technology-driven monitoring of maritime transactions.
Participants maintained that improved cargo tracking, accurate vessel information, effective customs procedures and the integration of relevant government databases would strengthen revenue assurance.
The conference also stressed that revenue optimisation should not be pursued at the expense of trade facilitation.
Rather, policies should strike a balance between effective revenue collection and the creation of an efficient business environment that attracts investment and encourages legitimate trade.
8. National Single Window and Inter-Agency Collaboration
The conference reiterated its support for the full implementation of the National Single Window as an important instrument for modernising Nigeria’s trade and port administration.
It observed that the initiative could significantly reduce multiple documentation requirements, improve transparency and facilitate the exchange of information among government agencies and private-sector operators.
Participants called on relevant agencies to ensure that the initiative is implemented in a coordinated manner, with clearly defined responsibilities, reliable technology infrastructure and effective stakeholder engagement.
The conference further emphasised that the success of the National Single Window would depend on the willingness of government agencies to share information and eliminate unnecessary administrative barriers.
9. The Role of Maritime Journalism in Industry Development
The conference acknowledged the critical role of maritime journalists in promoting transparency, accountability and informed public discourse on issues affecting the maritime industry.
It noted that maritime journalism must go beyond reporting events, official statements and industry activities to provide deeper analysis of policies, operational challenges and their implications for the Nigerian economy.
During the technical session, participants challenged journalists to strengthen their capacity to understand and interpret maritime data, logistics operations, shipping statistics and regulatory developments.
The discussion emphasised that journalists must be equipped to interrogate industry information, verify figures and provide accurate context when reporting on issues affecting the sector.
It was observed that effective maritime reporting requires a combination of professional competence, industry knowledge, data literacy and investigative skills.
The conference therefore called for continuous training and capacity development for maritime journalists, particularly in data journalism, digital reporting, investigative journalism and emerging technologies.
It also urged industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies to provide journalists with timely access to accurate information to strengthen public understanding of maritime operations.
10. Professional Ethics and Responsible Journalism
The conference reaffirmed the importance of professionalism, accuracy, fairness and independence in maritime journalism.
Participants stressed that journalists must uphold the highest ethical standards in reporting industry developments, particularly where commercial interests, government policies and regulatory decisions are involved.
The conference urged maritime journalists to avoid sensationalism, misinformation and unverified reports capable of undermining public confidence in the industry.
It also encouraged journalists to provide balanced coverage of both the achievements and challenges of the maritime sector.
11. Unity and Professional Development Among Maritime Journalists
The conference reaffirmed the importance of unity, cooperation and professional solidarity among maritime journalists.
It observed that a united maritime media community would be better positioned to engage industry stakeholders, promote professional interests and contribute meaningfully to national maritime development.
Participants called for stronger collaboration among maritime media organisations, improved professional networking and regular capacity-building programmes.
The conference also encouraged younger journalists to embrace mentorship, continuous learning and responsible journalism as essential requirements for professional growth.
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RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
After extensive deliberations, the conference resolved as follows:
1. Port modernisation: The Federal Government should sustain investment in port infrastructure, automation, modern cargo-handling facilities and technology-driven operations.
2. Improved port access: Relevant authorities should prioritise the development and rehabilitation of roads, rail connections and other transportation infrastructure linking Nigerian ports to major commercial centres.
3. Seamless cargo clearance: Government agencies operating at the ports should harmonise their procedures to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and facilitate faster cargo clearance.
4. National Single Window: The Federal Government should ensure the effective implementation of the National Single Window to promote transparency, eliminate duplication and improve trade facilitation.
5. Integrated logistics: Government and private-sector stakeholders should develop an integrated logistics framework that connects seaports with inland markets, industrial centres and other commercial destinations.
6. Inter-port connectivity: Relevant authorities and operators should explore practical arrangements for feeder services linking Lekki Port with ports in the Delta and Eastern regions to improve cargo distribution and port utilisation.
7. Advance vessel information: NIMASA, NPA and the Nigeria Customs Service should strengthen advance information-sharing arrangements for incoming vessels and their cargoes to improve operational preparedness and regulatory oversight.
8. International Customs cooperation: The Nigeria Customs Service should explore stronger collaboration and possible operational representation at major overseas ports of origin to facilitate early access to cargo information and improve risk assessment.
9. Data transparency: Maritime agencies should improve the availability, accuracy and accessibility of industry data to support effective planning, research, journalism and policy decisions.
10. Shipping development: Government should introduce policies and incentives that encourage indigenous shipping capacity, vessel ownership and greater Nigerian participation in the maritime value chain.
11. Solid minerals: The Federal Government should promote local processing and value addition in the solid minerals sector to increase export earnings and reduce dependence on raw mineral exports.
12. Revenue assurance: Relevant agencies should strengthen monitoring, accountability and technology-driven processes to minimise revenue leakages without creating additional barriers to legitimate trade.
13. Vessel turnaround time: Port operators and regulatory agencies should adopt measures to reduce vessel delays, improve operational efficiency and minimise demurrage and other avoidable charges.
14. Maritime journalism training: NNMJ and other professional bodies should intensify capacity-building programmes for maritime journalists, with emphasis on data journalism, investigative reporting, digital media and emerging technologies.
15. Access to information: Maritime agencies and private-sector operators should strengthen their communication channels with the media and provide timely access to accurate industry information.
16. Professional ethics: Maritime journalists should uphold accuracy, fairness, independence and accountability in their coverage of the industry.
17. Professional unity: Maritime journalists should strengthen cooperation and solidarity across professional associations and media organisations to advance the collective interests of the profession.
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CONCLUSION
The Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists believes that Nigeria’s aspiration to become a major maritime hub and achieve a $1 trillion economy cannot be realised without efficient ports, modern infrastructure, seamless logistics, reliable data and a competitive shipping industry.
The conference emphasised that port modernisation must not be restricted to the acquisition of modern equipment or the construction of new terminals. It must also encompass the efficient movement of cargo, integration of transportation systems, improved regulatory coordination, effective data management and the reduction of operational costs.
It further noted that the maritime industry must embrace technology, transparency and innovation to unlock the enormous economic opportunities available in shipping, port operations, logistics, marine services and international trade.
NNMJ reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible maritime journalism, strengthening industry accountability and providing a credible platform for constructive engagement between policymakers, regulators, operators and other stakeholders.
The Network expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, maritime agencies, industry stakeholders, speakers, sponsors, partners and participants for their support and contributions to the success of the conference.
It also reaffirmed its determination to sustain the momentum generated by the conference through continued professional engagement, industry-focused reporting and advocacy for reforms that will advance Nigeria’s maritime and economic development.
Issued by:
Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ)