By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have identified high port charges, ageing infrastructure, poor digital integration and negative attitudes among port users as major threats to the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.

This formed part of the discussion at a panel session during the 4th Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN Annual Lecture, MAMAL 2026, themed: “Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question”, held in Lagos.
Speaking, Mr Emmanuel Maigunwa, who moderated the session said port competitiveness should go beyond reducing the cost of imports and exports to positioning Nigeria as a major regional trade and transit hub.

Representing the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Mr Willem Inya said the multiplicity of port charges remained a major concern for businesses.

He said importers often faced several charges, while delays increased demurrage and the overall cost of doing business.

Also speaking, Joseph Adegbite, Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Planning, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, identified ageing infrastructure as one of the major challenges to efficient port operations.
He noted that, apart from Lekki Deep Sea Port, most Nigerian ports were more than 50 years old.

Adegbite said deteriorating infrastructure limited the deployment of modern cargo-handling equipment, affecting productivity and increasing vessel and cargo dwell time.
He said the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme, which is focusing initially on Lagos because of its dominant share of maritime traffic, would extend to the Eastern ports.

He, however, stressed that modernisation must go beyond physical infrastructure to include digital integration, renewable energy, Port Community Systems and a Maritime Single Window. “Port operation is a communal system. It is a community,” he said, calling for greater digital integration among agencies and stakeholders to eliminate operational silos.

Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, Managing Director, Le Look Bags, said infrastructure renewal must be matched by a change in attitude among port users. Similarly, Capt. Ladi Olubowale of the African Ship Owners Association warned that excessive port charges could divert cargoes to neighbouring countries, increase smuggling and ultimately raise costs for consumers. The stakeholders called for coordinated reforms covering infrastructure, digitalisation, harmonised charges, stakeholder sensitisation and improved operational efficiency.