The Board of Trustees and Management of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has assured stakeholders that the government would scale up operational efficiency at the ports, remove bottlenecks hindering growth, ensure fairness and maintain competitiveness within the maritime sector to achieve the $1 trillion economy target.

Speaking after a joint tour of port facilities in Lagos, including the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited, Tin Can Island and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Limited, Chairman of the Board, Ibrahim Shema, stressed the need for policy adjustments to prevent cargo diversion to neighbouring countries.

He highlighted Nigeria’s potential to emerge as a major transshipment hub in West Africa, pointing to cargo observed at the ports destined for countries such as Morocco and Ghana.

He said the development underscored the country’s strategic position to serve regional markets if supported by the right policies, infrastructure and private sector investments.

Shema noted that ongoing investments across the port value chain are critical to enhancing Nigeria’s revenue-generating capacity in the maritime sector, describing the trend as “encouraging and a welcome development”.

According to him, the Federal Government is prepared to deepen collaboration with industry players to attract more investment while supporting existing operators and port users.

The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the maritime industry, as the Council intensifies efforts to address operational challenges and attract new investments.

He said the sector is entering a phase of expansion with significant opportunities for both local and foreign investors, urging stakeholders to take advantage of the emerging prospects, warning that delays could result in missed opportunities as reforms begin to take effect.

Akutah said the facility tour enabled members of the Council’s board and management to gain first-hand insight into operational realities, challenges and opportunities within the ports.

Akutah highlighted growing investor interest in the maritime space, disclosing that Mediterranean Shipping Company has proposed a $1 billion investment in Snake Island, Lagos, describing the development as a strong signal of confidence in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The NSC boss also addressed concerns raised by port users over service delivery, including complaints about hidden charges and operational inefficiencies such as the use of trucks as temporary container holding bays.

He said the Council is taking a holistic approach to resolving these issues, noting that observations from the facility tour and stakeholder engagements would inform regulatory interventions aimed at promoting fairness, transparency, and improved service standards.

On the planned inclusion of indigenous barge operators in cargo movement, he said implementation would require careful planning and inter-agency coordination, adding that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is keen on fast-tracking the process, as critical issues such as security, infrastructure, operational standards, and vessel capacity must first be addressed.

Managing Director of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Jacob Losso, emphasised that finance and regulation play a central role in shaping the maritime industry, adding that stakeholders must work collectively to ensure smoother and efficient operations, boost revenue, position the country as a regional transshipment hub and bring sustainable economic benefits.

Losso noted that effective communication between operators, regulators, and policymakers remains critical to resolving operational bottlenecks and unlocking growth opportunities.

The General Manager, Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Keshiro Babatunde, said continuous investment in equipment and infrastructure has positioned the terminal to meet growing demand and maintain service quality for both local and international clients.

The facility has evolved beyond its original design to accommodate increasing vessel sizes and rising global trade demands.