A former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho has said Nigeria’s maritime sector remains central to unlocking the full benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing the continental agreement as a transformative opportunity for the nation’s economic expansion.
Captain Ihenacho made this known during his opening remarks as the Event Chairman at the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) Book launch titled “Fifty Drivers of the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy,” on Thursday in Lagos.
He noted that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy is strategically positioned to facilitate the free movement of goods, services and capital across Africa—an essential requirement for AfCFTA’s success.
He stated that with AfCFTA offering access to a unified African market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, Nigeria must leverage its maritime capacity to enhance trade competitiveness and drive regional economic integration.
Ihenacho emphasised that Nigeria’s maritime industry has made significant progress over the decades, citing milestones including the establishment of the National Shipping Line (NNSL) in 1959, the National Maritime Authority (NMA) in 1988, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2007. He also referenced the Cabotage Law as another positive development in building domestic capacity.
However, he stressed that new continental and global economic frameworks—particularly AfCFTA and China’s Maritime Silk Road (MSR)—have now created broader opportunities for Nigeria to strengthen its transport corridors, logistics systems and port infrastructure.
According to him, AfCFTA’s vision of tariff elimination, reduced non-tariff barriers and enhanced intra-African trade aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s maritime aspirations, especially as shipping remains the dominant mode for moving goods across borders.
He explained that unlocking AfCFTA’s full gains would significantly expand opportunities for maritime operators, shipowners, logistics providers, exporters and value-added service providers within the blue economy ecosystem.
“The stupendous opportunities that would be created through AfCFTA will allow various maritime and blue economy businesses to grow, either directly or through linked multiplier effects,” he said.
Ihenacho also underscored the need for Nigeria to urgently address capacity constraints that could limit its ability to compete effectively under AfCFTA. These include inadequate port infrastructure, bureaucratic delays, maritime insecurity and critical skills gaps.
“With the right policies and investments, AfCFTA can drive Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation and deeper regional integration,” he added.
The maritime expert called for innovation, stakeholder collaboration and strategic planning to reposition the sector for global competitiveness. He urged participants to contribute actively toward identifying solutions that will optimise Nigeria’s place in regional and global value chains.
