Nigeria maritime reform drive gains momentum as stakeholders call for efficiency, stronger logistics systems and blue economy investment to boost trade

Maritime experts, policymakers and industry stakeholders on Wednesday in Enugu renewed calls for a stronger Nigeria maritime reform drive, urging improved port efficiency, streamlined logistics systems and increased investment in the blue economy to reduce business costs and expand export capacity.

Also read: Nigeria Promotes Strong Sustainable Blue Economy Growth Plan

The discussions formed part of the 3rd International Conference organised by the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, themed “From Global Maritime Regulations to Tangible Actions: Driving Sustainable Operations in the African Maritime Sector.”

The gathering brought together academics, regulators, development partners and private sector actors to examine how maritime policies can be translated into measurable economic gains, particularly for Nigeria and other emerging markets.

Stakeholders warned that inefficiencies within Nigeria’s maritime and logistics systems continue to impose significant costs on businesses, weakening competitiveness in manufacturing, agriculture and export-driven sectors.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, Mark Okoye II, said logistics costs in Nigeria can account for up to 40 per cent of the final price of goods, significantly eroding productivity and market competitiveness.

He noted that port dwell times remain far above global standards, creating delays that disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs across multiple sectors.

Okoye stressed that improving connectivity between production hubs and export routes would deliver broader economic benefits than focusing solely on port infrastructure.

He also highlighted the agricultural sector’s limited export contribution despite its employment strength, attributing this gap to weak logistics systems and infrastructure deficiencies.

According to him, post-harvest losses of up to 50 per cent in some value chains reflect structural inefficiencies that require urgent investment in cold storage and transport networks.

Participants further noted that Nigeria’s blue economy, valued globally in the trillions of dollars, remains underdeveloped despite its potential in fisheries, inland waterways and marine-linked industries.

They argued that better utilisation of these resources could reduce reliance on imports, improve food security and create new employment opportunities.

Academic leaders at the conference also emphasised the need to translate maritime regulations into practical outcomes, warning that policy frameworks alone are insufficient without effective implementation.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, called for stronger alignment between global standards and local realities, urging stakeholders to prioritise enforcement, innovation and environmental compliance.

Director of the Institute, Professor Florence Orabueze, described the conference as a bridge between theory and practice, stressing that sustainable maritime development depends on collaboration between academia, government and industry.

She noted that the institute has expanded its academic offerings across maritime law, logistics, engineering and blue economy studies to produce graduates equipped for real-world sector challenges.

Also read: Nigeria Leads Regional Fight Against Illegal Fishing

Participants collectively agreed that coordinated reforms, investment in infrastructure and stronger policy execution are essential to unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potential and driving long-term economic growth.