•Nigerian ports rank 183rd out of 185 globally
By Steve Agbota
Despite various initiatives aimed at improving maritime safety, security and overall operations, Nigeria’s maritime industry is still grappling with deep-rooted issues such as corruption, inefficiency and limited resources.
These challenges continue to hinder the sector’s growth and global competitiveness. Reflecting this struggle, Nigeria’s ports are ranked a dismal 183rd out of 185 countries worldwide in terms of operational efficiency.
In its New Year bulletin, the Sea Empowerment Research Centre RGS highlighted the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s maritime industry. The bulletin, signed by the Centre’s Head of Research, Eugene Nweke, acknowledged efforts made by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to enhance maritime safety and security. Notable achievements include the passage of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Bill into law, the establishment of a national maritime surveillance and security infrastructure, and the successful implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Despite these strides, Nweke pointed out that “the Nigerian maritime industry still faces substantial challenges in 2024.” These challenges range from the ineffective implementation of regulations to poor infrastructure and operational inefficiencies.
The country’s shipping industry has made some progress, with Nigeria now ranked 48th globally in terms of its merchant shipping fleet. However, the contribution remains minimal—Nigeria’s shipping sector contributes only 1.6 million tons to the global merchant fleet in recent years. This small share highlights Nigeria’s limited influence on the international shipping market.
“This ranking is based on the review of maritime transport carried out by UNCTAD in 2020, which shows that Africa contributes less than one percent to global shipping trade,” Nweke explained. “As for the global port ranking, Nigeria’s ports are ranked 183rd out of 185 countries in terms of efficiency. This reflects the challenges that have long plagued Nigerian ports, including delays in import/export processes, unofficial charges, human interface, technical breakdowns, and security concerns.”
Nweke noted that these issues, combined with poor port predictability and competitiveness, have made Nigerian ports unattractive to global trade. “The delivery corridors in Nigeria’s ports are impeded by human barriers, slowing down the flow of cargo and hindering timely deliveries,” he added. “This global ranking is, in essence, a direct reflection of how Nigeria’s maritime industry has fared in 2024.”
He also highlighted the sporadic incidents of port congestion recorded in 2024, a situation that further tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage. This congestion, coupled with inadequate investment in infrastructure such as ports, harbors, and terminals, has become a significant challenge for the industry.
In response to these ongoing issues, Nweke called on the Federal Government to urgently implement reforms that would enhance the efficiency and global competitiveness of Nigerian ports. “The government must focus more on the maritime sector to boost the national economy,” he said. “This can be achieved through targeted investments in critical infrastructure, including ports and terminals, as well as by strengthening safety and security measures.”
He further emphasised the importance of regulatory compliance and the consistent enforcement of maritime laws. “The government must ensure that regulations are not only formulated but are also enforced efficiently. Moreover, the funding of the newly reinforced industry economic regulator cannot be overstated, as it plays a key role in maintaining oversight and accountability in the sector,” Nweke added.
In conclusion, Nweke stressed that without substantial investments in infrastructure, regulatory reform, and operational efficiency, the Nigerian maritime industry will continue to struggle and lag behind in the global market. He urged the government to take immediate action to address these concerns, as failure to do so could have long-term implications for the sector’s growth and the country’s broader economic prospects.