The Federal Government has commenced the procurement process for the modernisation of seaports outside Lagos, in a move aimed at ensuring balanced development across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Wednesday at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference held in Lagos, with the theme: “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria.”
Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Oyetola said the port modernisation programme seek to upgrade port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency, and expand capacity to meet international standards.
“We are working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” he stated.
The Minister noted that the Federal Government had already approved a $1 billion modernisation project for Lagos ports, describing it as a landmark initiative that aligns with the administration’s economic reform agenda.
“In addition, the procurement process has commenced for similar modernisation projects at ports outside Lagos, to ensure balanced development across our maritime gateways,” he added.
Oyetola said the ongoing reforms reflected government’s determination to boost logistics performance and competitiveness within the marine and transport sectors, positioning Nigeria as a preferred hub for maritime trade and investment.
He also highlighted the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has contributed to Nigeria’s record of zero piracy incidents in over three years, ensuring safer waterways and investor confidence.
“Since the inception of the Ministry, we have focused on strategic reform and institutional strengthening. With the Deep Blue Project and other interventions, we are safeguarding our maritime domain to encourage investment and reduce the cost of doing business,” Oyetola said.
The Minister revealed that the government has developed a 10-year National Blue Economy Strategy to harmonise policies across maritime, fisheries, logistics, and coastal development in a sustainable framework.
According to him, the Ministry is creating an enabling environment for private sector investment through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships (PPP), and targeted incentives to drive innovation and job creation.
“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,” he emphasised.
He urged members of CILT to continue championing smart and green transport technologies, capacity building, and data-driven logistics management, while collaborating with the Ministry to align expertise with national priorities.
Meanwhile, President of CILT Nigeria, Mfon Usoro, announced a 242 percent increase in the Institute’s revenue over the past four years, crediting the growth to financial discipline and governance reforms.
She said the Institute’s revenue rose from ₦7.8 million in December 2021 to ₦55 million in the third quarter of 2025, while its liquid assets jumped from ₦17 million in early 2022 to ₦123 million as of Q3 2025.
“Every disbursement request is scrutinised and audited quarterly. The outcome has been phenomenal,” Usoro noted, adding that the Council has approved the deployment of a modern Accounting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to enhance transparency.
Established in 1958, CILT Nigeria operates under the global CILT network headquartered in the United Kingdom and serves as the professional body for logistics and transport practitioners in the country.
