McFoy Urges Sustained Investment in Port Modernization and Automation to Boost Nigeria’s Global Trade Competitiveness
Kathy Kyari
Maritime Expert and Managing Director of OceanDeep Services Limited, Rollens McFoy has called for renewed commitment to modernization, automation, and regulatory reform across Nigeria’s ports, describing them as the cornerstones of efficiency, transparency, and economic growth in the maritime sector.
McFoy made the call while delivering a paper titled “Port Modernization, Regulation, Administration, Automation & Competences”, at the 2025 National Discourse hosted by Maritime Nigeria at Rockview Hotel, Apapa on Thursday.
She traced the evolution of Nigeria’s ports from their colonial origins to recent technological breakthroughs while noting that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), established under the Ports Act of 1954, had transitioned from a cargo-handling agency to a “landlord and regulator” following the 2006 concessioning exercise that privatized port operations.
Highlighting modernization milestones, McFoy said, “Nigeria’s ports are currently experiencing significant growth, marked by increased ship traffic and container throughput, driven by policy reforms and technological upgrades.”
According to her, the ETO electronic call-up system, launched in 2021, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which began full commercial operations in April 2023, have significantly improved efficiency. Between 2023 and 2024, Nigerian ports recorded a 5.6% increase in ship calls, 15.4% rise in Gross Registered Tonnage, and a 9.7% increase in container throughput, with export-laden containers surging by 53.7%.
Describing the Lekki Deep Sea Port as “a major milestone,” she added that facilities like Onne and Lagos Port Complex now operate “up to international practice.”
However, Dr. McFoy acknowledged persistent challenges, including infrastructure deficits, limited multimodal connectivity, and funding constraints. She emphasized that digitalization, automation, and e-payment systems were “crucial for improving efficiency,” alongside the full implementation of a National Single Window to enhance transparency and inter-agency coordination.
“Modernization will reduce vessel turnaround and cargo dwell times, which remain major challenges,” she stated, stressing the importance of sustainable financing and private sector participation.
On regulatory reforms, McFoy referenced the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill 2023, which seeks to repeal the Shippers’ Council Act and strengthen economic oversight. She described it as part of a wider push “to address modern challenges and ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders.”
She also outlined the key roles of agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in maintaining operational standards, trade facilitation, and security compliance under the ISPS Code.
Turning to automation, Dr. McFoy urged the full adoption of automated cranes, robotic systems, and digitized documentation platforms, adding that “electronic truck call-up systems and automated gate access will be essential to managing port traffic and curbing congestion.”
She further emphasized the need for continued capacity building, particularly in ISPS Code training and technology-driven operations, noting that “the future of Nigeria’s ports depends on how effectively we embrace modernization, regulation, and automation as tools for sustainable growth.”
In his welcome address, the Managing Editor of Maritime Nigeria and Publisher of Maritime Insiders and News Gate newspapers, Mr. Kelvin Kagbare, described the event as “a flagship gathering of Nigeria’s finest maritime minds and trailblazers,” emphasizing its critical role in shaping the industry’s future.
"Today, we converge under the theme: ‘Port Modernization: Automation, Regulation, Administration and Competencies’—a theme that resonates with the urgent need to reposition our maritime industry for global relevance and sustainable growth,” Kagbare said. “This discourse is not just a meeting of minds; it is a movement and an urgent quest in dire search of transformation.”
The event recognized and decorated a lineup of Distinguished Maritime Personalities for their contributions to shipping, port administration, maritime safety, and trade facilitation. Among the honorees was the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Wale Adeniyi, MFR, commended for “redefining customs operations with innovation and integrity.”
Other speakers and honorees included Dr. Segun Musa, Captain (Dr.) Warredi Enisuoh, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, and Mr. Okey Ibeke, all of whom have made remarkable contributions to the maritime sector.
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