Minister Adegboyega Oyetola Announces National Shipping Carrier Refloat and Nationwide Port Modernization

Minister Oyetola announces a new national shipping carrier and the modernization of ports in Warri, Onne, and Calabar to boost Nigeria's maritime industry.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 4:49 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from THISDAYLIVE

Reviving the National Fleet

Nigeria is moving closer to re-establishing a national shipping carrier, a strategic move intended to bolster the country’s maritime sovereignty and economic retention. Speaking at a performance retreat in Lagos, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, confirmed that the federal government has secured interest from major global players, including AD Ports Group and DP World. This new national carrier is designed to reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on foreign shipping lines, which currently dominate the transport of the nation's imports and exports. By refloating a national carrier, the government aims to keep maritime value within the local economy and create thousands of specialized employment opportunities for Nigerians.

Nationwide Port Modernization Strategy

Addressing concerns regarding regional bias, Minister Oyetola emphasized that the federal government’s port modernization program extends far beyond the Lagos hubs of Apapa and Tin Can Island. Procurement processes are currently active for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar. This inclusive approach is part of a "transformative intervention" by the President Bola Tinubu administration to enhance efficiency across all maritime gateways. The modernization efforts focus on upgrading physical infrastructure, reducing vessel turnaround times, and significantly improving cargo handling capabilities to make Nigeria a more competitive destination for global trade.

Deep Seaports and Economic Corridors

The expansion of Nigeria’s maritime capacity includes the approved development of new deep seaports in several coastal states, including Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo. Oyetola noted that these projects are essential for decongesting existing ports and opening new economic corridors. By creating deeper drafts capable of hosting larger modern vessels, these seaports will position Nigeria as a leading maritime gateway in Africa. This infrastructure surge aligns with the broader national agenda of economic diversification, aiming to lower the cost of doing business and stimulate cross-sectoral investments.