Private sector operators on Thursday pledged fresh investments in the marine and blue economy, backing Federal Government reforms to improve port infrastructure, facilitate trade and enhance maritime competitiveness
They expressed their commitment at the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in Lagos.
The forum focused on implementing the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to promote sustainable growth and diversify the nation’s economy.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, represented by the Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Mr Simon Omole, said Nigeria must move from policy formulation to the effective execution of blue economy projects.
Dangote said coordinated private sector investment was critical to unlocking opportunities in ports, fisheries, shipping, logistics, renewable energy, tourism and maritime technology, given the country’s strategic coastline.
He identified inadequate infrastructure, fragmented regulations and limited access to finance as major constraints, noting that the challenge was one of investment rather than resource availability.
Dangote urged government to deepen public-private partnerships, modernise port infrastructure, ensure policy consistency, develop smart ports and coastal industrial clusters, and increase investment in fisheries to create jobs.
Managing Director of PTML, Mr Ascanio Russo, said terminal operators had invested more than one billion dollars since the port concession programme, with PTML alone committing over 250 million dollars.
Russo said PTML was expanding its terminal to accommodate the world’s largest con-ro vessels, which is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime and trans-shipment hub.
Government and Public Relations Manager of West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Innocent Ogbuji, commended the ministry for its support, saying ongoing port modernisation had boosted investor confidence in the maritime sector.
Ogbuji said WACT would continue investing in infrastructure and support initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and expanding the country’s marine and blue economy.
