In a strategic move to reposition Nigeria’s maritime
sector for global competitiveness and boost trade volume, the Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron have
unveiled a series of infrastructure and human capital reforms.
The initiatives, which align with the country’s
broader blue economy agenda, focus on port modernization and the
development of skilled maritime professionals—two key pillars identified as
essential for unlocking sustainable maritime growth.
Cargo Throughput Surge and Economic Impact
According to the NPA’s 2024 Consolidated Management
Report, Nigeria’s cargo throughput surged by 45.1%, from 71.2
million metric tons in 2023 to 103.3 million in 2024. The spike
significantly contributed to Nigeria recording a trade surplus of ?5.81
trillion ($3.7 billion) in Q3 2024, based on data from the Nigerian
Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Infrastructure Upgrade and Port Expansion
Speaking at the 2025 Association of Maritime
Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) Conference in Lagos, NPA Managing
Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho—represented by Hadiza Usman Shu’aibu,
Principal Manager, Corporate Affairs—highlighted the Authority’s key projects:
“The NPA is actively upgrading infrastructure and
accelerating digital transformation to improve cargo handling and attract
investment,” Shu’aibu stated.
In a significant digital transformation step, Nigeria
has joined the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA)
and is preparing for the full rollout of the National Single Window (NSW)
platform to streamline port operations and reduce trade bottlenecks.
Easing Congestion and Enhancing Logistics
To address chronic gridlock in Lagos ports, the NPA
has enhanced the electronic truck call-up system by introducing satellite
parks and time-belt scheduling, leading to improved turnaround
times.
The agency is also leveraging public-private
partnerships (PPPs) to diversify revenue through projects such as bunkering
stations, logistics parks, ship repair yards, independent
power generation, and freshwater supply services.
Under Dantsoho’s leadership, Nigeria reclaimed
regional prominence with his election as President of the Port Management
Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA)—the first Nigerian to head
the body since its inception in 1972. He is also steering Nigeria’s campaign
for re-election into Category C of the International Maritime
Organisation (IMO).
Maritime Academy of Nigeria Aligns with
Global Standards
Meanwhile, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN),
Oron, is ramping up its role in maritime manpower development to
meet domestic and global demand.
Speaking on behalf of Acting Rector Dr. Kevin
Okonna, the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Domo Umoekpe, said:
“We are not just training cadets; we are shaping
professionals who will drive Africa’s maritime growth.”
The Academy has upgraded its infrastructure with:
MAN also serves as a regional maritime resource
centre, offering IMO Model Course 6.09 instructor training and
hosting students from institutions such as the Nigerian Maritime University,
Okerenkoko.
The Academy has begun attracting foreign students and
is working toward partnerships with IMarEST, the Nautical Institute
UK, and CIOTA to secure global-standard sea-time placements
for cadets.
MAN operates three core schools—Engineering,
Nautical Studies, and Maritime Transport Studies—as well as a Seafarers
Training Centre that delivers STCW-compliant short courses and certificate
programmes. Its simulator-based training includes 12 accredited
courses aligned with IMO standards.
Ministry’s Support Key to Sector-Wide
Reform
Both NPA and MAN acknowledged the leadership and
support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under Minister
Adegboyega Oyetola, for driving a coherent policy direction and sector-wide
reform.
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