The establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry in 2023 under the leadership of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola was met with optimism, as many anticipated a transformative approach to Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The ministry oversees some key agencies of government, including Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
As the year draws to a close, an in-depth analysis of these agencies’ achievements and challenges, reveals their contributions (or lack of it) to Nigeria’s maritime progress.
This ranking is based on a combination of metrics such as, infrastructure development, operational efficiency, policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and ability to address pressing challenges
1. Nigeria Shippers’ Council: A Model Regulator
Why Rank Number 1?
The Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) emerges as the top-performing agency, demonstrating a balanced approach to policy innovation, dispute resolution, and infrastructure development. Its success lies in its proactive leadership and ability to adapt to the dynamic needs of the maritime sector.
Achievements
- Push For A New Legislation: The NSC spearheaded the “Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill 2023,” which scaled its second reading in the House of Representatives this year. This bill seeks to replace the existing NSC Act and establish the council as a fully-empowered economic regulator, a role it has been unofficially performing since 2015. According to Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services, the bill addresses critical gaps in port regulation, including tariff control and stakeholder dispute management.
- Economic Savings: The council saved the country over ₦6 billion this year by addressing complaints from stakeholders, including shipping companies and importers, showcasing its dedication to protecting port users from exploitative practices.
- Infrastructure Development: The commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port was a significant milestone. This facility is expected to decongest Lagos ports, reduce logistics costs, and enhance hinterland connectivity, particularly for agricultural exports.
- Export Advocacy: Through summits and workshops, such as the Non-Oil Export Summit, NSC advocated for increased non-oil exports, addressing logistical challenges faced by exporters of agro-commodities and manufactured goods.
- Stakeholder Engagements: If any agency deserves an award for deliberately engaging all segments of stakeholders, the NSC deserves to be given accolade for sustaining its history of ensuring that everyone is kept in the know of all its activities. It did this extensively again in 2024.
Challenges
Despite its achievements, the NSC has faced criticism in some areas:
- Cargo Tracking Note (CTN): The delay in implementing the CTN system, a critical tool for cargo monitoring and revenue generation, has drawn the ire from stakeholders.
- Shipping Line Overcharges: Stakeholders have criticized the council for its perceived inability to sanction shipping companies that impose arbitrary charges.
- Export Infrastructure Deficits: While the Funtua Inland Dry Port is commendable, a lack of complementary road and rail networks undermines its full potential.
By combining legislative advocacy, economic savings, robust stakeholders’ engagement and infrastructure development, the NSC justifiably claims the top spot in this ranking.
3. National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA): Resilience Amid Adversity
Why Rank Number 3?
NIWA ranks third for its efforts to improve waterways safety and operational standards, even as it faced a challenging year marked by frequent boat mishaps.
Achievements
- Passing the Transportation Code: The adoption of a transportation code this year established clear guidelines for waterway safety, addressing long-standing concerns about vessel standards and operational practices.
- Stakeholder Sensitization: NIWA conducted frequent sensitization campaigns aimed at educating boat operators and passengers on safety measures, contributing to a gradual improvement in awareness.
- Waterway Maintenance: Regular clearing of waterways ensured smoother navigation, reducing accidents caused by debris and sedimentation.
Challenges
- Incessant Boat Mishaps: Despite sensitization efforts, the frequency of boat accidents remained alarmingly high, highlighting gaps in enforcement and infrastructure.
- Infrastructure Deficits: The absence of standard jetties and passenger terminals continue to undermine efforts to modernize inland waterway transportation.
NIWA’s resilience and focus on safety reform earn it a middle-ranking position.
4. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA): Falling Short
Why Rank Number 4?
Despite its self-proclaimed status as the apex maritime regulatory body, NIMASA’s inability to deliver on critical initiatives places it near the bottom of this ranking.
Achievements
- Stakeholder Engagement: NIMASA held a series of stakeholder meetings this year, engaging shipowners and other industry players to address maritime challenges.
- IMO Category ‘C’ Bid: The agency is pushing for Nigeria’s re-election to the IMO Council under Category ‘C’, a move that underscores its aspirations for international relevance.
Challenges
- Unutilized Floating Dock: The agency’s inability to operationalize its floating dock remains a glaring failure, depriving Nigeria of significant revenue potential.
- Seafarers’ Welfare: Students under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) were forced to suspend their education due to unpaid fees, while disengaged seafarers lamented unpaid pensions.
- Insecurity: Reports of piracy and kidnappings, particularly in Rivers State, have highlighted gaps in maritime security.
- CVFF Non-Disbursement: Despite multiple announcements, NIMASA failed to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), a critical resource for shipowners.
NIMASA’s limited achievements are overshadowed by its inability to address core regulatory and operational challenges.
5. Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN): An Agency in Crisis
Why Rank Number 5?
CRFFN ranks last due to its lack of strategic direction, minimal achievements, and ongoing identity crisis.
Achievements
- Salary Payments: Under pressure from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the CRFFN managed to pay part of the salaries owed to its workers.
- Training Programmes: The agency organized limited training sessions for freight forwarders, though the scale and impact of these initiatives were negligible.
Challenges
- Identity Crisis: The agency’s inability to define whether it is a government regulatory body or a professional association has rendered it largely ineffective.
- Legal Disputes: Court battles over the appointment of its Registrar have further hampered its operations.
- Minimal Impact: CRFFN contributed little to policy or industry growth this year, cementing its reputation as the least efficient agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
CRFFN’s lack of tangible contributions to the maritime sector underscores its bottom-ranking position.
Conclusion
The Marine and Blue Economy Ministry’s performance in 2024 reveals both opportunities and challenges. The Nigeria Shippers’ Council and Nigerian Ports Authority demonstrated leadership and innovation, setting a benchmark for other agencies. Meanwhile, NIWA’s resilience in the face of adversity highlights the importance of proactive policy implementation. However, NIMASA and CRFFN’s under-performance underscore the need for structural reforms and greater accountability.
As Nigeria seeks to unlock the full potential of its blue economy, the ministry must prioritize collaboration, innovation, and infrastructure development across its agencies. The coming year presents an opportunity for renewed focus and progress, provided these agencies address their shortcomings and build on their achievements.
