Maritime Researchers and Authors Association of Nigeria (MARASSON) said the Dangote Refinery’s recent export of 456,000 tonnes of petroleum products to several African countries has exposed the Federal Government’s policy inaction to capture the significant economic opportunities in maritime.

The research body described the development as a “wake-up call” on the Federal Government, as it demonstrates what can be achieved when infrastructure, policy alignment and private sector investment are effectively coordinated.

In a policy paper titled: ‘Nigeria’s Maritime Wake-Up Call: Stop Watching the Wealth Sail Away’, signed by the Director of International Trade, Sunday Ademuyiwa, the research body wondered why the government has not fully leveraged its waters for economic growth.

Ademuyiwa stated that while the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy announced plans to reposition the sector through the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, tangible progress remains limited.

He referenced the Ministry’s commitments at the May 14, 2025, sectoral retreat in Abuja, where government officials pledged to realign strategies and drive impactful reforms.

Ademuyiwa expressed concern that many of these policies have yet to translate into concrete action to date, as they remain on paper.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s trade routes remain poorly secured, while foreign vessels continue to dominate shipping lanes that could otherwise support indigenous operators.

‘But to date, little has been done. Policies remain on paper, trade routes are poorly protected, and foreign vessels dominate routes that should belong to Nigerian operators. This inaction undermines our potential and lets opportunities slip away,” he stated.

Ademuyiwa warned that the country risks missing out on significant economic opportunities despite recent industry gains, such as the impact of private sector investment, with the Dangote Refinery already recording over 600 vessel calls within its first year of operation.

He said this has generated employment, boosted marine services and stimulated indigenous shipping.

The MARASSON Director stressed that failure to implement key frameworks, particularly the Cabotage regime, continues to undermine local participation and economic growth within the sector.

He said for Nigeria to benefit, the government must engage industry professionals more actively, strengthen maritime infrastructure and enforce policies that protect domestic shipping interests.

Ademuyiwa further added that the refinery’s expanding operations have the potential to deepen West African coastal trade, enhance Nigeria’s participation in regional commerce, and reduce reliance on foreign shipping lines.

He warned that without decisive action, Nigeria may continue to lose control of its maritime resources to external players, despite its strategic advantage and growing trade volumes.

He concluded that the country stands at a critical juncture, where swift and deliberate policy implementation will determine whether its maritime potential translates into measurable economic gains.