FG Commences Procurement for Port Modernisation Beyond Lagos — Oyetola

By our Correspondent

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced that the Federal Government has begun the procurement process for the modernisation of seaports outside Lagos, as part of efforts to ensure balanced growth across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.

Oyetola made this known on Wednesday during the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference in Lagos, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria.”

Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Minister explained that the port modernisation initiative seeks to upgrade infrastructure, improve cargo handling operations, and increase capacity to align with international standards.

“We are working closely with stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port system that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” Oyetola stated. He added that the Federal Government has approved a $1 billion modernisation project for Lagos ports to improve cargo handling and expand operational capacity.

“In addition, the procurement process has commenced for similar modernisation projects at ports outside Lagos, to ensure balanced development across our maritime gateways,” he added.

According to Oyetola, these initiatives demonstrate the administration’s commitment to improving logistics performance and competitiveness in the maritime and transport sectors, positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for regional and international trade.

He further highlighted that, through the Deep Blue Project and other interventions, Nigeria has maintained a record of zero piracy incidents on its waterways for over three years. “Since the inception of the Ministry, we have focused on strategic reforms and institutional strengthening to secure our maritime domain and attract investment,” he said.

The Minister also revealed that the Federal Government has developed a comprehensive 10-year National Blue Economy Strategy to harmonise policies across maritime, fisheries, logistics, and coastal development within a sustainable framework.

He noted that the Ministry is fostering a conducive environment for private sector participation through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships (PPP), and incentives designed to stimulate innovation and job creation across the blue economy value chain.

“Our goal is sustainable and inclusive growth — one that balances economic opportunity with environmental protection and social equity,” Oyetola emphasised. He urged CILT and its members to promote smart and green transport technologies, enhance capacity building, and champion data-driven logistics planning.

Meanwhile, CILT Nigeria President, Mfon Usoro, reported a 242 percent increase in the Institute’s revenue over the past four years, reflecting the success of financial reforms and sound governance.

Usoro disclosed that CILT’s revenue rose from ₦7.8 million in December 2021 to ₦55 million by the third quarter of 2025, while its liquid assets increased from ₦17 million in early 2022 to ₦123 million as of Q3 2025. She attributed the growth to financial discipline, accountability, and stringent oversight by the Finance, Budget, and Audit Committee.

She added that the Council has approved the implementation of a modern Accounting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to boost transparency and streamline audits.

Usoro said the CILT transformation agenda, launched in 2021, continues to drive progress through governance reforms, digitalisation, and membership expansion.

Established in 1958, CILT Nigeria operates under the global CILT network based in the United Kingdom and serves as the professional body for logistics and transport practitioners in the country.

“Accountability and transparency remain our guiding principles. The improvement in our financial standing underscores the confidence and trust of our members,” she concluded.

The 2025 annual conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and scholars to discuss sustainable transport systems, logistics digitalisation, and the Blue Economy’s potential for national growth.