By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Anxiety has continued to mount among port terminal operators across Nigeria as the Federal Government signals plans to open up the nation’s seaports to new investors, even as the prolonged delay in the renewal of concession agreements lingers unresolved.
The uncertainty follows the expiration of concession agreements of several terminal operators—some of which reportedly lapsed as far back as five years ago—while affected firms have continued operations under temporary annual extensions granted by the Federal Government.
Fresh findings indicate that government is actively considering fresh investors as part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the port system, raising fears that some existing concessionaires may lose their terminals.
There are also indications that recent engagements with some froreign terminal and port operators are aimed at injecting new operators into the Nigerian port terminal operations.
Recall that Shipping Position Daily had earlier reported growing tension within the maritime sector over the delayed renewal of terminal concession agreements, a development stakeholders say is creating instability in long-term planning and investments within the ports.
In a recent engagement with our correspondent, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, confirmed that the Federal Government is pushing ahead with plans to liberalise port operations and attract new investors.
According to him, the ongoing process is aimed at strengthening competition and improving efficiency in the maritime sector.
“When we do the consultation, you also talk about it. Government wants to open the ports. Let’s have more investors, compete with a lot of other men. New investors are coming. The process has started now already,” Akinola had said.
He added that the reforms are designed to ensure that “Nigeria can get the best,” stressing that the government is determined to follow due process in the ongoing restructuring. Due process has to be followed”, he stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) also clarified the continued delay in renewing concession agreements of some port operators, explaining that the process is tied to ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the legal and regulatory framework governing port operations.
The NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Danthoso, also said the Federal Government is working to correct structural deficiencies in existing concession agreements, before granting renewals.
Speaking through the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, during a recent engagement with journalists in Lagos, Danthoso noted that the reforms are intended to enhance investor confidence and ensure long-term stability in the port sector.
He disclosed that about five terminal operators are currently affected by expired concession agreements, some of which have remained in limbo for several years, with only temporary yearly extensions allowing them to continue operations.
According to him, the government’s hesitation is deliberate, as it seeks to avoid renewing flawed agreements that could undermine efficiency and revenue generation in the maritime industry.
“Government is focused on correcting structural issues in existing agreements before approving renewals. A flawed agreement would do more harm than a delayed one,” he said.
The overlapping signals from government agencies have, however, deepened concerns among terminal operators, who say the prolonged uncertainty is affecting investment decisions, operational planning, and long-term port development strategies.
