Publisher of JournalNG, Nigeria’s must consistent Maritime Magazine, Mr Ismail Aniemu , has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s growing dependence on imports, warning that the nation’s economic health and future sustainability are directly tied to the efficiency of its port operations.
Speaking at the Advocacy Times Port Industry Breakfast Meeting themed “ Port Efficiency and B’odogwu Development-Impact and Prospects” in Lagos, Aniemu emphasised that the port sector is central to Nigeria’s economic survival, as over 70 percent of the country’s imports are funneled through the ports. He pointed out that the impacts of port inefficiencies extend beyond maritime stakeholders, reaching deep into the hinterlands of the country, affecting the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Drawing attention to the presence of foreign manufactured goods, particularly Chinese products, in Nigerian households, Aniemu linked the phenomenon to the country’s lopsided trade balance and weak local production. He described the situation as a wake up call to examine the structural issues in Nigeria’s trade and logistics framework, arguing that it reflects a dangerous over reliance on foreign goods and external markets.
He commended the choice of the town hall meeting’s theme, noting that discussions around port modernization and initiatives like B’odogwu are timely and necessary. According to him, the push for technological innovation in port operations must be seen as part of a larger strategy to reposition Nigeria within the regional and global trade landscape.
Aniemu also expressed concern that even Nigeria’s export sector is now increasingly being dominated by foreign interests, a development he said should galvanize Nigerian stakeholders to act quickly in reclaiming control over the country’s economic instruments.
He warned that unless urgent steps are taken to enhance port efficiency, improve the ease of doing business, and empower local exporters, the nation risks deepening its trade imbalance and economic vulnerability.
He urged that the outcomes of the town hall meeting should not remain within the four walls of the event but be conveyed to relevant government agencies and policy actors for implementation. He emphasis the need for practical follow through so that the benefits of the discussions can cascade into actionable reforms that transform Nigeria’s ports and trade ecosystem for the better.
Publisher of Advocacy Times , Mr Paul Ogbuokiri in his welcome address, emphasised the efficiency of Nigerian ports as a matter of urgent national interest. He stressed that a well functioning port system is fundamental to the success of the maritime sector and has far reaching implications for the entire economy.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority under the current Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, he pointed to the administration’s role in driving reforms and implementing critical projects aimed at modernization.
Paul called attention to the ongoing $1 billion ports modernization project initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which is currently under implementation. He encouraged stakeholders to objectively assess the project’s impact so far particularly in terms of its influence on cargo throughput, trade facilitation, and industry operations. The modernisation agenda, he said, represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s trade future, but it is essential to measure its practical effects on efficiency and competitiveness.
He also highlighted the relevance of the B’Odogwu platform, urging participants to evaluate whether its introduction has met the expectations of operators and whether it is delivering measurable benefits to port users.
While calling for open and constructive contributions from fellow stakeholders, Paul emphasised that the discussions should remain focused on tangible outcomes that can help shape future policy and operational improvements within the sector.
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