The National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, has warned that Nigeria is losing cargo transit to neighbouring West African countries due to inefficiencies, inadequate infrastructure and fragmented port procedures.
Amiwero raised the concern on Monday in Lagos during the unveiling of his achievement nomenclature on interventions in national economic issues and the launch of two books to mark his 73rd birthday.
He identified Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Côte d’Ivoire as major beneficiaries of cargo that could otherwise move through Nigerian ports, stressing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s port system.
According to him, Nigeria’s large consumer market and concentration of manufacturing and commercial activities in Lagos make the Lagos port corridor strategically important to the nation’s maritime economy.
Amiwero called for an expert-led committee to conduct a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s port system and develop a coherent strategy focused on efficiency, connectivity and competitiveness.
He also advocated the development of Lagos as a major mother-port and trans-shipment hub, arguing that attracting large mother vessels directly to Nigerian ports would generate additional opportunities across freight, logistics and other maritime services.
The maritime stakeholder expressed concern over infrastructure and connectivity challenges at some deep-sea ports, particularly rail access and draft capacity. He stressed that port development should be guided by cargo availability, technical viability and the capacity to accommodate modern vessels.
Amiwero cautioned against establishing multiple deep-sea ports without sufficient cargo volumes and supporting infrastructure, warning that such facilities could become underutilised and create unhealthy competition.
He urged the Federal Government to involve maritime professionals and technical experts in decisions on port development, concessions and operations, while strengthening coordination among government agencies to eliminate overlapping responsibilities and streamline procedures.
Amiwero maintained that Nigeria’s port strategy should prioritise efficiency, infrastructure, connectivity, cargo generation and professional expertise if the country is to strengthen its position in regional maritime trade and attract cargo currently moving through neighbouring countries.
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