By Amina Ojelabi
Maritime stakeholder, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad, has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to urgently reform operational policies across the nation’s seaports in order to make port activities more seamless, transparent, and globally competitive.
In an interview with our correspondence, Alhaji Muhammad identified demurrage as one of the biggest challenges frustrating smooth cargo clearance and shipping operations in Nigeria. He explained that many of the delays leading to demurrage are caused by port inefficiencies, not by importers or exporters.
According to him, it is the responsibility of the NPA to develop a robust policy framework that streamlines operations and protects port users from unfair cost burdens.
“It is a clear responsibility of the Nigerian Ports Authority to introduce a process or policy framework that will make operations seamless. One of the biggest challenges today is demurrage, and NPA should develop policies requiring shipping lines to reduce or even waive demurrage when delays are not caused by importers or exporters,” Alhaji Muhammad stated.
He further alleged that some terminal operators deliberately create delays to benefit from demurrage, stressing the need for NPA to strengthen its oversight and coordination with concessionaires.
“Our ports have been concessioned to private operators, but in some cases, these operators deliberately cause delays to the detriment of customers. The NPA needs to checkmate this practice and ensure stronger synergy between itself and the terminal operators,” he said.
Alhaji Muhammad emphasized that operational delays and inefficiencies increase the overall cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, making them less attractive to international shipping lines.
Nigeria Losing Maritime Traffic to Neighbouring Ports
The maritime expert also expressed concern over the growing diversion of large container vessels to Lomé and Cotonou, instead of Nigeria, warning that the country is losing huge revenue and logistics value to its smaller West African neighbours.
“Many large vessels carrying between 2,000 and 3,000 TEUs no longer come directly to Nigeria. They now berth in Lomé or Cotonou, discharge their cargoes there, and smaller feeder vessels bring those goods into Nigeria. Ironically, about 90 percent of those cargoes are destined for the Nigerian market,” he revealed.
According to Alhaji Muhammad, this trend shows that Nigeria’s maritime policies are stifling its competitiveness, despite the country’s natural advantage as the region’s biggest market.
“Nigeria is naturally positioned to be a maritime hub, but our own policies are killing that advantage. We need to study what Lomé and Cotonou are doing differently and adopt smarter strategies to regain our edge,” he advised.
Lekki Deep Seaport Seen as Opportunity — But Costs Must Drop
Alhaji Muhammad, however, noted that the Lekki Deep Seaport presents a major opportunity for Nigeria to regain its lost ground in regional shipping, provided the cost structure is reviewed to encourage direct vessel calls.
“From my research, the cost of berthing and clearing a vessel in Nigeria is almost 60 percent higher than in Lomé or Cotonou. Naturally, shipping lines prefer to go where the cost is cheaper,” he explained.
He urged the Federal Government and the NPA to review port tariffs, enhance operational efficiency, and introduce incentives that will make Nigerian ports particularly Lekki more attractive for international vessels.
“If we can make our ports more competitive, we will attract direct calls, boost trade, and reclaim our rightful position as the maritime hub of West Africa,” he said.
Policy Reform Key to Maritime Growth
Industry watchers agree that aligning Nigeria’s port charges with international standards, while improving transparency and efficiency, will help reduce the cost of doing business and attract more investment into the maritime sector.
With the development of deep-sea facilities like Lekki, stakeholders like Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad believe that Nigeria’s maritime potential can only be fully realized through stronger policy reforms, improved infrastructure, and competitive port pricing.
Leave a Reply