The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to modernising Nigeria's port infrastructure, describing efficient seaports and integrated logistics systems as critical to unlocking the full potential of the country's Special Economic Zones (SEZs), boosting trade and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime investment destination.

The assurance was given at the 2026 annual conference of the Maritime Correspondents' Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) held in Rivers State, where stakeholders from the maritime, ports and free zones sectors explored strategies for leveraging Special Economic Zones to accelerate the country's blue economy. The conference was themed, "Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy."

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the Federal Government's ongoing rehabilitation of critical port infrastructure, continuous channel maintenance and improvements in marine operations are deliberate investments designed to support expanding industrial activities, rising trade volumes and increasing investor interest in Nigeria's Special Economic Zones.

Represented by the Ports Manager of Rivers Port Complex, Kenechi Okezie, the Minister stressed that modern, efficient ports remain indispensable to achieving the government's vision of building a sustainable, competitive and globally connected maritime economy.

He also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and private-sector stakeholders to accelerate port modernisation and unlock the enormous economic opportunities within Nigeria's maritime sector while advancing the country's blue economy agenda.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming the nation's port system through infrastructure renewal, technology deployment, multimodal transport connectivity, increased private-sector participation and improved operational efficiency.

Represented by the Port Manager, Dantsoho said the Authority remains committed to rehabilitating ageing port facilities, sustaining navigable channels through continuous dredging, modernising port infrastructure and enhancing marine operations to accommodate larger vessels, reduce vessel turnaround time and lower the cost of doing business.

He explained that investors now pay close attention to logistics costs, cargo clearance efficiency, reliability and turnaround time before deciding where to establish manufacturing facilities or invest in Special Economic Zones.

According to him, businesses operating within SEZs depend heavily on efficient logistics systems because speed directly influences productivity and profitability.

"Every unnecessary delay at the port raises logistics costs. Every bottleneck weakens competitiveness. Inefficiency reduces investor confidence. Conversely, every improvement in efficiency strengthens the attractiveness of our SEZs and enhances Nigeria's overall competitiveness," Dantsoho said.

He further emphasised that optimising port performance extends beyond activities within the ports, stressing the need for integrated transport systems linking seaports with industrial clusters and Special Economic Zones through roads, railways and inland waterways.

Drawing lessons from global maritime hubs, Dantsoho noted that cities such as Rotterdam, Singapore, Shanghai and Dubai achieved sustained economic growth by investing heavily in efficient transport and logistics infrastructure that seamlessly connects production centres to international markets.

He added that the NPA is working closely with stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria's multimodal transport network while expanding the role of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) to decongest seaports, improve cargo movement and provide inland industrial hubs with easier access to global markets.

The Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Bamang Jada, also highlighted the strategic importance of Special Economic Zones in driving Nigeria's blue economy through industrialisation, maritime logistics, offshore support services, export-oriented manufacturing and energy exports.

Represented by his Technical Adviser on Free Zones Development, Jackson Iniobong, Jada, while delivering a presentation titled "The Strategic Role of OGFZA in Supporting Nigeria's Blue Economy and Energy Exports," described the blue economy as a framework for sustainably harnessing Nigeria's oceans, rivers, ports and coastal resources to promote economic prosperity while protecting the environment for future generations.

Assistant Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Port Harcourt Area V, Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command, Tuesday Achukwu (left); Assistant Comptroller, NCS Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Ojomo Muyiwa; Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Chapter, Paul Bazia-Nsaneh; Ports Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Kenechi Okezie; Technical Adviser to the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) Managing Director on Free Zones Development, Iniobong Jackson; President, Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Ismail Aniemu; Public Relations Officer, Port Harcourt Area V, Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command, Emmanuel Tangwa and Assistant Comptroller, NCS Port Harcourt Area II Command, Jibro Jeremiah at the MARCON’s yearly conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He noted that OGFZA's offshore facilities continue to support safe maritime operations and energy exports, while its free zones have attracted substantial local and foreign investments, expanded export capacity, created thousands of jobs, facilitated technology transfer and strengthened Nigeria's position as an investment destination in West Africa.

According to him, the Authority's regulatory framework has improved port efficiency, reduced operational bottlenecks and encouraged indigenous participation in fabrication, engineering, marine support services, vessel maintenance and logistics, thereby increasing local content across the maritime and energy sectors.

Also addressing participants, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, said Special Economic Zones have become proven drivers of industrialisation and economic transformation across the world.

Represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, Maiwada stated that properly managed SEZs possess the capacity to attract investments, stimulate manufacturing, expand exports and transform local economies.

He added that Nigeria is strategically positioned to maximise these opportunities through its seaports, inland waterways, export processing zones and free trade zones.

Drawing comparisons with global success stories, Maiwada said countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated how well-managed economic zones can accelerate industrial growth, attract investments and strengthen export competitiveness, noting that Nigeria possesses similar potential if supported by efficient maritime infrastructure and coordinated policy implementation.