Minister of Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola
He further revealed that approvals had been granted for the development of new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo states.
Federal Government has announced that it secured the interest of leading international partners, including AD Ports Group and DP World, to refloat a national shipping carrier in a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, made the disclosure yesterday during the ministry’s combined citizens and stakeholders’ engagement, sectoral performance and ministerial retreat in Lagos, where he outlined ongoing efforts to boost indigenous shipping capacity.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have made significant progress toward the refloating of a National Shipping Carrier. We have secured the interest of reputable international partners who are collaborating with us to bring this vision to fruition,” he added.
According to Oyetola, the new national carrier will play a critical role in reducing dependence on foreign shipping lines, retaining maritime value within the Nigerian economy and creating employment opportunities.
The minister revealed that the government had secured the interest of AD Ports Group and DP World to collaborate on the initiative.
He linked the initiative to other strategic interventions, including the imminent disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), aimed at empowering indigenous ship owners.
“By empowering local operators, we are strengthening national capacity and positioning Nigeria for greater participation in global shipping,” he said.
Addressing the issue of port infrastructure, Oyetola clarified that the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme was a nationwide initiative, and dismissed concerns that the focus was restricted to Lagos.
Oyetola stressed that inclusive infrastructure development remained central to the ministry’s mandate.
He disclosed that procurement processes were already underway for the modernisation of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, alongside the approved upgrades for Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
He further revealed that approvals had been granted for the development of new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo states.
Oyetola noted that the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification agenda and was expected to stimulate trade, reduce the cost of doing business, and attract investment across multiple sectors.
