Nigeria Secures UAE Investors’ Backing for National Shipping Carrier

The Federal Government has secured the interest of major international partners, including AD Ports Group and DP World, to revive a national shipping carrier aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in Lagos during a stakeholders’ engagement and ministerial retreat, where he highlighted ongoing efforts to boost indigenous shipping capacity. He said the collaboration marks significant progress toward restoring a national carrier.

Oyetola explained that the proposed carrier would reduce reliance on foreign shipping lines, retain more maritime revenue within the country, and create jobs for Nigerians.

He added that the initiative complements other interventions such as the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), designed to support local ship owners and enhance national capacity in global shipping.

On port infrastructure, the minister clarified that the Federal Government’s modernisation programme extends beyond Lagos, stressing that development is being carried out nationwide.

He revealed that procurement processes are ongoing for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, alongside approved improvements for Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

Additionally, approvals have been granted for the construction of new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo states.

According to Oyetola, these efforts align with the government’s economic diversification agenda and are expected to boost trade, lower business costs, and attract investments across key sectors.