By Joshua Yousouph
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced that Nigeria’s proposed new national shipping line is nearing operational take-off, even as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) advances towards the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) to drive efficiency in port operations.
Oyetola made the disclosure during the Ministry’s three-in-one stakeholders’ engagement and performance retreat in Lagos, where he outlined key reforms aimed at strengthening indigenous shipping capacity and improving the overall competitiveness of the maritime sector.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have made significant progress toward the refloating of a National Shipping Carrier,” the Minister said.
He revealed that the Federal Government has secured the interest of leading international partners, including AD Ports Group and DP World, to collaborate on the initiative, noting that the move would reduce reliance on foreign shipping lines and retain greater economic value within Nigeria.
According to him, the new national carrier is also expected to generate employment opportunities and boost local participation in global shipping.
Oyetola linked the development to other strategic interventions, particularly the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is aimed at empowering indigenous shipowners.
“By empowering local operators, we are strengthening national capacity and positioning Nigeria for greater participation in global shipping,” he added.
In a related development, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed that the Port Community System, a critical digital platform underpinning the National Single Window, has reached about 90 per cent completion and is awaiting final approval from the Federal Executive Council.
He explained that the PCS would integrate all stakeholders in the port value chain into a unified system, enhancing transparency, reducing bottlenecks, and improving the ease of doing business.
Dantsoho noted that the recent launch of the National Single Window on March 27 has already demonstrated the benefits of digital integration, with growing stakeholder recognition of its role in boosting operational efficiency.
“The precursor to the National Single Window is the Port Community System. We have achieved almost 90 per cent towards getting the final approval, and we are now awaiting approval of the Federal Executive Council,” he said.
Dantsoho expressed optimism that approval would be secured within weeks, paving the way for full implementation.
The NPA boss also highlighted the impact of the One-Stop-Shop platform (OASES), which has enhanced coordination among agencies involved in operations at the Dangote Refinery, enabling seamless vessel and cargo handling.
According to him, the system has supported the export of about 500,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products from the refinery to other African countries, demonstrating Nigeria’s growing capacity for large-scale maritime trade.
Dantsoho emphasized that the rollout of the Port Community System would consolidate ongoing reforms and position Nigerian ports for greater competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
