The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared that Nigeria is actively expanding its port capacity and driving major maritime reforms to position the country as the leading trade and logistics hub in West and Central Africa. Speaking at the mid‑year session of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) Board of Directors meeting in Victoria Island, Lagos, on 18 May 2026, Oyetola said the federal government has approved the development of additional deep‑sea ports across the country to complement existing infrastructure and strengthen supply‑chain resilience.
Oyetola, who opened the meeting under the theme “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development,” noted that the Tinubu administration remains committed to modernising Nigeria’s ports through infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and improved operational efficiency. He said coordinated policy interventions and stronger collaboration among agencies have already reduced congestion, eased logistics bottlenecks, and cut vessel waiting times, creating a more predictable business environment for shipping lines and port users.
The Minister described the National Single Window initiative as a transformative reform that integrates the operations of various government agencies into a unified digital platform for cargo clearance, thereby minimising delays and corruption. He also disclosed that existing seaports, including Apapa, Tin‑can Island, and others, will undergo comprehensive upgrades such as channel deepening and quay improvements to attract larger vessels and higher trade volumes.
On maritime security, Oyetola highlighted the success of the Deep Blue Project, stating that piracy in Nigerian waters has been effectively eliminated and wider maritime crime across the Gulf of Guinea has been sharply reduced. He said these gains have restored investor confidence and made the region a safer corridor for international commerce. Turning to the PMAWCA, he urged delegates to prioritise initiatives that enhance logistical resilience, promote sustainable port management, and ensure that port growth translates into tangible benefits for coastal communities.