Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced major progress toward reviving a national shipping carrier, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s maritime sector.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement and performance retreat in Lagos, Oyetola revealed that the Federal Government has secured interest from leading international maritime firms, including AD Ports Group and DP World, to partner on the initiative.

According to the minister, the proposed national carrier is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign shipping lines, retain more economic value within the country, and generate employment opportunities across the maritime industry.

He linked the development to broader reforms, including the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, which is aimed at empowering indigenous shipowners and boosting local participation in global shipping.

Oyetola also addressed concerns that port development efforts are concentrated only in Lagos, clarifying that the government’s port modernisation programme is nationwide. He disclosed that procurement processes are already underway to upgrade ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, in addition to ongoing improvements at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

Describing the initiative as a “transformative intervention,” he said the upgrades will improve port efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time, and enhance cargo handling capacity.

The minister further revealed that approvals have been granted for the development of new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo States. These projects, he said, are expected to decongest existing ports, open new economic corridors, and position Nigeria as a major maritime hub in Africa.

He emphasized that the maritime push aligns with the broader economic diversification agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with expected benefits including increased trade, reduced cost of doing business, and improved investment inflows.

However, Oyetola issued a strong warning to agencies under his ministry, stressing that accountability and performance would be strictly enforced. He noted that performance bonds signed during the retreat are binding commitments that will be closely monitored.

He called for data-driven decision-making, improved monitoring frameworks, and measurable outcomes across all agencies, insisting that institutional discipline and results must remain a top priority.

The event concluded with the signing of performance agreements between the minister and heads of key maritime agencies, reinforcing the government’s commitment to delivering tangible results in the sector.