By Tunde Ojudun
Nigeria is on the verge of re-establishing a national shipping carrier, a move expected to transform the country’s maritime industry.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development during a stakeholders’ engagement and performance retreat in Lagos, highlighting significant progress in the initiative.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have made substantial progress toward the refloating of a National Shipping Carrier,” Oyetola said.
He revealed that the government has secured partnerships with leading international operators, including AD Ports Group and DP World, to drive the project.
According to the Minister, the new carrier will reduce reliance on foreign shipping lines, retain maritime value within Nigeria’s economy, and generate employment opportunities. He linked the initiative to broader reforms, including the imminent disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund to empower indigenous shipowners.
“By empowering local operators, we are strengthening national capacity and positioning Nigeria for greater participation in global shipping,” he added.
Stakeholders at the retreat welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-awaited step that could significantly boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.