Business
Nigeria Maritime Stakeholders Push Bold Reform Drive
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.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has dismissed allegations that it appropriated the Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) brand, insisting it lawfully obtained trademark acceptance for the name and will proceed with its 2026 summit as scheduled.
In a statement issued on September 12, 2026, the chamber described claims by Kunle Nwiwa Junior as “cheap blackmail, misleading, mischievous and a misrepresentation of the facts,” maintaining that it independently developed the summit and followed all required regulatory procedures.
According to NDCCITMA, it applied for and received a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the name Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) in August 2025 under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284.
The chamber said the chronology of events contradicts allegations that it copied another party’s application, arguing that its trademark acceptance predated the period during which Nwiwa’s own application was reportedly still pending before the relevant authorities.
“Economic Summit” is a generic expression
NDCCITMA further argued that the phrase “Economic Summit” is a generic description widely used for conferences that bring together governments, investors, businesses, development institutions and other stakeholders to discuss investment and economic development.
The chamber maintained that while concepts may be widely used, legal protection only arises from recognised intellectual property rights, including duly registered trademarks and other enforceable proprietary interests.
It therefore rejected suggestions that any individual or organisation has exclusive ownership of the broader concept of an economic summit.
Court grants interim injunction
Addressing reports that the summit had been halted, NDCCITMA said the dispute is already before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and that there is no court order restraining the event.
The chamber disclosed that in Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants—Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd.—from interfering with the planned summit.
According to NDCCITMA, the court also directed the defendants to remove publications, notices, petitions, social media posts and other statements allegedly considered damaging to the chamber’s name, integrity and reputation pending the hearing of its motion for interlocutory injunction.
The matter has been adjourned until September 22, 2026 for further hearing.
Chamber rejects ₦500 million demand claim
NDCCITMA also alleged that it had received a demand from Nwiwa Junior requesting ₦500 million as a condition for abandoning his claims over the summit.
The chamber said the demand was rejected, adding that it subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials.
It said the petition sought police intervention, including inviting the complainant for questioning and caution where necessary.
Summit opens September 15
Despite the legal dispute, NDCCITMA reaffirmed that the 2026 Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit will hold from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The summit will be held under the theme “Driving Investment, Innovation & Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta” and is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss economic transformation across the region.
The chamber said it remains committed to promoting commerce, industry, trade, mining, agriculture and sustainable economic development throughout the Niger Delta while allowing the courts to determine all outstanding legal issues.
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