Maritime Stakeholders Push for Smart Ports to Curb $19bn Annual Losses.
Maritime Stakeholders Push for Smart Ports to Curb $19bn Annual Losses.
Lucky Akra
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have called for the transformation of the nation’s ports into smart ports through the deployment of emerging technologies, warning that continued inefficiencies are costing the country an estimated $19 billion annually.
The call was made at the 2026 Annual Conference and Awards organised by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) in Lagos, where representatives of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Maritime Police Command and other industry players stressed the need for urgent digital reforms across the port system.
Participants at the conference, themed *“Attaining Ports Efficiency in the Face of Emerging Technologies,”* argued that modernising Nigeria’s ports would not only reduce operational bottlenecks but also boost revenue generation, create jobs and unlock new opportunities within the marine and blue economy.
In her opening remarks, AMJON President, Mrs. Vera Osokpo, said the media would no longer remain passive observers in the maritime sector but would actively hold stakeholders accountable for the implementation of technology-driven reforms.
“We are the bridge between policymakers and the ports, between technology and the truck drivers, and between the boardroom and the bedroom,” she said.
“When you deploy technology that works, we will amplify it. When you install scanners that gather dust, we’re going to ask, ‘Why?’”
Osokpo cited figures from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), which estimate that Nigeria loses about $19 billion yearly due to port inefficiencies. She noted that despite over 80 percent of the country’s trade passing through the ports, operational bottlenecks continue to hamper trade activities.
She compared Nigeria’s port operations with those of neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic, as well as global examples including Singapore and Rotterdam, where artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and seamless digital systems have significantly improved efficiency.
According to her, Nigeria possesses the capacity and resources to achieve similar results if stakeholders embrace innovation and transparency.
Chairman of the Nigerian Port Consultative Council, Bolaji Sunmola, represented by Barrister Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), identified five critical pillars required for Nigeria’s transition from analogue operations to smart ports.
Industry discussions also highlighted the growing importance of deep seaports, particularly the Lekki Deep Sea Port, in enhancing cargo throughput and accommodating larger vessels.
Stakeholders said such infrastructure would help reduce congestion and position Nigeria to benefit from increased trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Nigerian Ports Authority reiterated its commitment to digitisation through initiatives such as the Port Community System (PCS) and the Federal Government’s National Single Window project aimed at integrating port stakeholders, streamlining documentation and improving transparency.
Other presentations at the conference focused on port modernisation under AfCFTA, maritime security gains under the SPOMO Act, safety on Nigerian waterways and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives for host communities.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to notable industry players and supporters of maritime journalism.
Among the award recipients were Managing Director of Olaide Tyres and Chief Executive Officer of Horlad Apartments, Alhaji Olaide Olaiya, who received the Outstanding Resourceful Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 award, and Managing Director of Waltolye Limited, Dr. Atoloye Adewale Joseph, who won the Excellence Award in Corporate Freight Management and Humanitarian Services.
Other honourees included Dr. Festus Nwuie, Ambassador Prevail Farida Ahmed, Chief Chukwumalu Emeka, Anda Emmanuel, Comrade Funmi Fasan and CSC Abdullahi Lagos Abiola for their contributions to the maritime and logistics sector.
The awardees praised AMJON for its dedication to maritime journalism and its role in promoting accountability and development within the industry.
