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By Steve Agbota
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that the Federal Government is working closely with all relevant stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption.
Oyetola stated this at the 2025 National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria(CILT).
He assured that the present administration is committed to port modernisation and digitalisation.
The Minister, who was represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said that as part of this commitment, the Federal Government has approved a $1 billion modernisation project for the ports in Lagos, a landmark initiative designed to upgrade infrastructure, improve cargo handling and expand capacity to meet global standards.
In addition, he said that the procurement process has commenced for similar modernisation projects at ports outside Lagos, to ensure balanced development across our maritime gateways.
According to him, these efforts reflect the administration’s firm determination to improve logistics performance and competitiveness in the marine and transport sector, making Nigeria a preferred destination for maritime trade and investment.
“However, the promise of a thriving Blue Economy cannot be realised without a robust, efficient, and integrated logistics and transport system.
The ability to move goods, people, and services seamlessly — by sea, land, and air — is the lifeblood of commerce and the foundation of industrial growth.
Our ports, shipping corridors, inland container depots, and intermodal connections form the arteries through which our Blue Economy will flourish.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises that the Blue Economy represents the next frontier for economic diversification beyond oil. Consequently, the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy underscores our collective commitment to reposition this vital sector as a key driver of national growth, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.
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Meanwhile, he commended the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) for its leadership in promoting professionalism, knowledge, and ethical standards in its field. “As professionals, your expertise and innovations are indispensable to the success of the Blue Economy. Whether through port operations, freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, fleet management, or intermodal integration, your contribution defines the efficiency and competitiveness of our entire economic ecosystem.
“I therefore urge CILT and its members to continue to champion the adoption of smart and green transport technologies; promote capacity building for young professionals and operators; advocate for data-driven planning and decision-making in logistics management; and deepen collaboration with the Ministry and other stakeholders to align your expertise with national priorities.
“Our goal is not growth for growth’s sake, but sustainable and inclusive growth —one that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity.
“We must ensure that our coastal and riverine communities benefit from the emerging Blue Economy, that women and youth find meaningful employment within its value chains, and that our maritime and transport infrastructure is developed in harmony with global climate goals,” he explained.
He said that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains fully committed to partnering with CILT and all stakeholders to advance the Ministry’s shared objectives.
“Together, we will build a logistics and transport system that is efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive, and a Blue Economy that truly works for all Nigerians,” he said.
Ealiet. President and Chair of Council, CILT, Mfon Ekong Usoro, stated that in the past four years, CILT Nigeria has established strategic collaborative arrangements with key stakeholders in the knowledge industry and deepened existing relationships.
“We executed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. Under this model, cadets of the Academy will, upon graduation, hold both the Institute’s professional qualifications and the applicable Certificates from the Maritime Academy and be eligible to become Chartered Members of the Institute immediately they attain the required number of years of industry experience.
“We established a strategic partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), which was cemented by an MoU. The aim is to embed logistics and supply-chain management (SCM) principles into Nigeria’s public procurement cycle, from needs assessment to final delivery. CILT will design specialised training for procurement officers in the public sector under this partnership. CILT, Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Centre for Supply Chain, introduced regular Executive Masterclasses targeted exclusively for CEOs and C-Suite occupants. Together with Multimix Academy, we also offer Certified Transport and Distribution Professional Courses.
“We have intensified the collaboration with the Nigerian Military through the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM), where we provide courses on the civilian aspect of logistics and transport, recognising, of course, that planning for and efficient operationalisation of logistics systems is a sine qua non for the military from ancient times.
“I note with satisfaction the increase in the number of officers who took the CILT courses and were conferred with the professional certificates and various grades of membership of the Institute under the immediate past Commandant of NACOLM, Major General Wisdom Etuk, FCILT. We look forward to strengthening the collaboration under the leadership of Major General Collins Adetoba, the recently appointed Commandant of NACOLM,” she said.
