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Private Sector Role Key to Port Modernization, Says Oyetola
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, says Nigeria’s ports can only achieve true modernization if the private sector plays an active role in financing and management.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Oyetola made the remark during a stakeholders’ meeting on maritime development held in Lagos on Thursday. He explained that the government alone cannot provide the investment needed to transform the country’s ports into modern, efficient hubs that can compete globally.
“The government is committed to reforming our ports, but the scale of investment required makes it clear that private sector participation is not just desirable, it is essential,” Oyetola said. “Partnerships will help us deliver modern infrastructure, digital systems, and efficient services.”
Push for modernization
Nigeria’s ports have long faced challenges including congestion, outdated facilities, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. Industry experts say these problems increase shipping costs and reduce the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
Oyetola noted that modernizing the ports would help Nigeria attract more shipping traffic, create jobs, and boost revenue. He stressed that the blue economy—covering shipping, fisheries, tourism, and marine resources—offers huge potential if the right reforms are implemented.
“Port modernization is at the heart of our national economic growth plan,” he said. “We want to position Nigeria as a maritime hub for West and Central Africa.”
Role of private investors
According to Oyetola, private investors bring capital, technology, and expertise that can accelerate reforms. He pointed to successful models in other countries where governments partnered with private operators to expand capacity, improve services, and adopt digital solutions.
He added that Nigeria is already taking steps toward such collaboration. Public-private partnership (PPP) projects are being reviewed to ensure that investors see clear returns while the government maintains oversight and regulation.
“We are creating an environment where investors feel confident,” he said. “This means transparent policies, reduced red tape, and protection of investments.”
Industry reactions
Maritime stakeholders welcomed the minister’s call. Shipping companies and logistics operators have long urged the government to involve the private sector more deeply in port development.
Chinyere Ume, a logistics consultant in Lagos, said the move was overdue. “Private operators can make ports more efficient because they are profit-driven. Government agencies should focus on regulation and security, while the private sector handles operations,” she said.
However, some experts warned that partnerships must be carefully designed to avoid monopolies or high user charges. They urged regulators to strike a balance between investor profits and fair costs for businesses that rely on port services.
Digital transformation
Oyetola also emphasized the role of technology in modernization. He said that automation, digital tracking, and paperless processes would reduce delays and cut corruption.
“The future of ports is digital. We cannot continue with manual systems that slow down trade and frustrate port users,” he said. “Introducing smart technology will save time, improve transparency, and align our ports with international best practices.”
Economic impact
Analysts say efficient ports are critical for Nigeria’s economy, as more than 80 percent of the country’s trade depends on maritime transport. Improving turnaround times for ships and cargo could lower costs for businesses and consumers.
Modern ports would also support Nigeria’s push to diversify its economy away from oil by boosting non-oil exports such as agricultural products and manufactured goods.
Next steps
Oyetola said the ministry would soon unveil a roadmap for port modernization, which will highlight priority projects and outline opportunities for investors. He called on both local and international partners to be part of what he described as “a new era for Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
“Our goal is simple,” he said. “We want ports that are efficient, transparent, and globally competitive. Together with the private sector, we can make this a reality.”
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ADC Campaign Council Inauguration: Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami—who is running for Governor of Kebbi State alongside running mate Musa Zagi on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform—inaugurated a massive campaign council comprising over 600 members from across the state’s senatorial districts and local governments [cite: Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, has inaugurated the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign council in Kebbi State., The inauguration was held on Wednesday as more than 600 party members were unveiled as part of the campaign council, with representatives drawn from different local government areas, senatorial districts, communities and political backgrounds across Kebbi State., Abubakar Malami is contesting for Governor of Kebbi State on the ADC platform and Musa Zagi is his running mate.].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Unified Strategy: Malami emphasized that the council unites all elective positions—from governorship down to the state assembly—under one collective political family and urged members to work cohesively [cite: Speaking at the event, Malami said the new campaign structure was designed to bring the party’s candidates and supporters under one coordinated platform., “This Campaign Council represents our collective ADC campaign. It is not about one candidate or one elective position. From the governorship to the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, we must work as one political family,” Malami said.].
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Call for Inclusivity: He cautioned against internal rivalries, tribalism, and sectional interests, stressing that every community, ward, and district across Kebbi State must feel included in the political movement [cite: He urged members of the council to avoid tribalism, sectional interests and internal rivalry, warning that such divisions could weaken the party’s campaign., Malami said every part of Kebbi State should be included in the political movement, adding that no tribe, senatorial district, local government, ward or community should feel left out.].
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MARRIAGE MADNESS: Nollywood Star Ronke Oshodi Drops Shocking Confession That She Almost Went Insane After Walking Down The Aisle!.
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Struggles in Early Marriage: Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi Oke shared during an interview on African A-List that she faced severe challenges shortly after getting married, which heavily impacted her physical and emotional well-being [cite: Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi Oke has spoken on the difficult period she experienced during her marriage., The actress shared the experience during an interview on African A-List, where she reflected on her former marriage and the effect the challenges she faced had on her physical and emotional well-being.].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Current Standing: The separation did not turn them into enemies; they remain on good terms for the sake of their children, and the experience has not completely closed her heart to the concept of marriage.
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