Former Heads of State, port administrators, government officials, state governors, and maritime industry leaders have warned that Nigeria risks a future in which its cargoes will be diverted and transshipped through neighbouring countries if it fails to urgently invest in deep-sea ports.

This was the consensus at the maiden International Deep Seaport Investment Forum (IDSIF) organised by Maritime Media Limited in Lagos.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan warned that failure to invest in and adapt to deep-sea port infrastructure could leave the country economically disadvantaged and risk its being sidelined in global maritime trade.

The former president noted that without proactive measures, Nigeria could face a future where large vessels bypass its ports entirely, forcing it to rely on neighbouring countries for cargo handling before transshipment into its domestic market.

Jonathan, however, acknowledged growing interest in deep seaport development across several states, citing ongoing and proposed projects such as the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State and the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State.

The former president called for stronger collaboration among government, private, and international maritime investors – many of whom, he said, are based in the Middle East – to drive sustainable port development.

He also stressed the importance of integrating financial institutions into maritime investment strategies, noting the critical linkage between the banking and maritime sectors for long-term success.

Managing Director, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, during his presentation on ‘Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Nigeria’s Deep Seaports’, said the country is at a crucial maritime juncture where it accounts for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), while only 25 per cent of regional cargo currently passes through its ports.

Represented by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the NPA boss said transitioning from ageing, high-maintenance legacy ports to modern deep seaport infrastructure is now an economic necessity.

He highlighted significant gaps that offer high-value investment opportunities despite the growing maritime capacity, which include hinterland connectivity, digital integration, green energy and future project model.

Dantsoho said the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will significantly enhance the value of these investments through a surge in cargo volumes and stimulated export trade, regional hub status to compete with Lome (Togo) for transit trade and Abidjan (Ivory Coast) for agricultural exports.

Others, he said, include revenue diversification through NPA’s expansion into value-added logistics, warehousing and distribution services, as well as adopting global benchmarks like Rotterdam or Tangier Med, for competitive turnaround.

He added that new deep-sea ports must be positioned as “primary mother-ship hubs”, utilising legacy ports as efficient feeders to capture both regional transshipment and domestic destination cargo.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the NPA’s General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Planning, Seyi Iyawe, said the Federal Government is firmly committed to a green port development agenda while moving away from the conventional ports.

“ We know that deep seaports are important. What we should consider is the hinterland connectivity of the port; it is very important to take into consideration how the cargoes would be moved out. One of our challenges has been digital automation and transportation; now that the NSW is launched, we need a port that would be automated, and we have to go green,” Oyetola said.

Former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe, underscored the importance of aligning the country’s coastal and maritime infrastructure with global best practices, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea, a critical hub for regional and international shipping.

Alaibe noted that continuous investment in the maritime industry remains vital to safeguarding trade routes and strengthening investor trust, noting that the sector holds significant potential for economic growth if properly harnessed.

He highlighted global benchmarks, pointing to leading port operators such as Abu Dhabi Ports, DP World, and Adani Ports as examples of institutions that have successfully driven large investments in maritime infrastructure.

The former NDDC boss urged the government and private sector to engage such international investment partners and replicate proven models that have delivered efficient port systems and maritime logistics networks worldwide.

The Convener of IDSIF and Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Media Limited, Asu Beks, said while Nigeria is a critical player in the comity of maritime nations with a coastline spanning over 853 kilometres, all hands must be on deck to support the various interventions put in place to reposition and revitalise the port industry.

He said despite the development of Apapa, Tin Can and Port Harcourt Ports infrastructure that would allow ocean-going vessels access, regrettably, evolving global maritime dynamics characterised by larger and faster vessels have shifted attention to deep seaports with greater draft capacity.

Beks said this has rendered many of Nigeria’s ports, particularly river ports, less competitive.