Stakeholders Chart New Course for Nigeria’s Port Efficiency
Nigeria’s ambition to become West Africa’s leading trade and logistics hub took centre stage at the 2026 Port Bizness Annual Corporate CEOs Conference in Lagos, where industry leaders, policymakers, and maritime experts agreed that technology, collaboration, and regulatory reforms are critical to unlocking port efficiency.
In his opening remarks, Port Bizness CEO, James Shodiya, stressed that Nigeria’s ports are strategic national assets but require stronger synergy among government agencies, operators, and private sector players to reach full potential.
Alhaji Yahaya O. Idris, President of Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), linked port efficiency to AfCFTA goals, urging removal of trade bottlenecks and investment in infrastructure.
High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi of NAGAFF outlined six pillars for transformation which include port efficiency reforms, digital transformation, regulatory transparency, professional capacity building, stakeholder collaboration, and ethical business practices.
High Chief Aare Asiwaju Haruna Omolajomo highlighted delays as Nigeria’s biggest obstacle, citing a hibiscus shipment stuck 45 days at Apapa Port. He called for full implementation of the Nigeria Single Window and harmonised inspections.
Adeshina Ajibola of AMATO introduced AMATO-PAGO, a pay-as-you-load insurance model to reduce costs and strengthen cargo security. Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze of WIMA Nigeria emphasized women’s growing role in maritime leadership, celebrating Chief Onome Joy Monije’s conferment as Omesiri of Uvwie Kingdom.
Speakers agreed that delay, not duty, is Nigeria’s greatest trade barrier. Faster, technology-driven ports mean cheaper imports, stronger exports, higher government revenue, and more jobs. The conference closed with Port Bizness Corporate Excellence Awards, reinforcing the message that Nigeria’s maritime future depends on collective commitment to innovation, transparency, and efficient service delivery.
0 Comments