Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria – December 4, 2025: Former Minister of Interior and prominent shipowner, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, has called on Nigeria to harness its maritime sector as a strategic driver for tapping into the vast opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, which unites 1.3 billion consumers and a combined Gross Domestic Products, GDP of $3.4 trillion.
Speaking in Lagos as Chairman at the launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN publication, “50 Drivers of the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy”, Ihenacho described AfCFTA as a transformative framework for national growth and regional integration.
Ihenacho emphasized that shipping remains the primary mode of moving goods across Africa, making the maritime and Blue Economy central to AfCFTA’s success. He argued that Nigeria’s ability to expand its trade influence depends on how effectively it leverages maritime capacity.
Tracing the evolution of Nigeria’s maritime sector, he cited milestones such as: establishment of the National Shipping Line, NNSL in 1959; creation of the National Maritime Authority, NMA in 1988.; formation of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA in 2007 and the introduction of the Cabotage Law, which strengthened indigenous participation.
He noted that newer frameworks like AfCFTA and China’s Maritime Silk Road, MSR present wider avenues for Nigeria to improve logistics, transportation corridors, and port infrastructure.
“AfCFTA’s agenda of tariff elimination, reduced non-tariff barriers, and enhanced intra-African trade aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s maritime aspirations,” Ihenacho said.
He added that the agreement offers extensive opportunities for shipowners, logistics operators, exporters, and service providers across the blue economy, with multiplier effects that could spur growth.
However, he warned that Nigeria’s competitiveness could be undermined by inadequate port infrastructure; bureaucratic inefficiencies; maritime insecurity and gaps in technical skills.
Ihenacho urged policymakers and stakeholders to adopt the right policies, invest in infrastructure, and embrace innovation to fully benefit from AfCFTA.
“With the right policies and investments, AfCFTA can drive Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation and deeper regional integration,” he said.
He concluded by calling for sustained collaboration and strategic planning to position Nigeria more competitively within continental and global value chains.
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