...Stakeholders Task FG on Eastern Ports Infrastructure
Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria -March 30, 2026: Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA Chairman Bode George, and other maritime leaders have urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps toward developing deep sea ports and expanding eastern port infrastructure.
They warned that Nigeria risks losing its maritime relevance if decisive action is not taken.
Speaking at the inaugural International Deep Sea Investment Forum, IDSIF in Lagos, Jonathan cautioned that Nigeria could face a future where goods are routed through neighbouring countries due to inadequate port facilities.
He recalled the collapse of the Nigerian National Shipping Line, NNSL which failed to adapt to global containerisation trends, stressing that history must not repeat itself.
“We must act before we wake up one day and no ship comes to Nigeria again,” Jonathan warned, calling for future forums to produce bankable projects and involve coastal states and financial institutions.
Bode George echoed the urgency, warning against over-concentration of port infrastructure in Lagos. He pressed the government to sign the Nigerian Ports and Regulatory Authority, NPERA, Bill and ensure that the port rehabilitation loan secured during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Britain benefits ports beyond Lagos.
“It cannot be right to concentrate all your resources in one place. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy must make development of other ports a mandate,” George insisted.
Representatives of the Federal Government reaffirmed commitment to a “green port” agenda, highlighting automation, hinterland connectivity, and sustainability as priorities. However, former NPA Managing Director Bello Gwandu cautioned that Nigeria’s real need is well-connected international ports, not just deep sea facilities that may lack sufficient cargo traffic.
Bayelsa State showcased its proposed Agge Deep Seaport as a transformational project, while other speakers, including former NDDC Managing Director Timi Alaibe, stressed the importance of moving from rhetoric to action in maritime investment.
Convener Asu Beks underscored the urgency of diversifying port capacity, warning that Nigerian-bound cargoes risk diversion to neighbouring countries if reforms stall. He appealed to President Tinubu to sign the NPERA Bill, empowering the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as regulator.
The forum also honoured key figures, including Jonathan and former ANLCA President Prince Olayiwola Shittu, for their contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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