By Foster Obi
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says the maritime industry is experiencing its strongest reform drive in decades, with port modernization, ETO traffic management, the national single window, and new export-processing terminals repositioning Nigerian ports for efficiency, competitiveness, and foreign investment.
Speaking in Lagos, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the authority’s transformation is already visible across operations, infrastructure, and staff welfare, adding that stakeholders should expect “fresh air in 2026.”
Onyemekara dismissed suggestions that the NPA is still “planning” multimodalism, insisting it is already an existing operational framework.
“Every port system we operate works on the platform of multimodalism. The roads are better, waterways and barge operations are active, and consignees have multiple options to move cargo,” he said.
Responding to concerns from barge operators who claim their business is declining, he stated that cargo movement is an open market.
“Our responsibility is to provide infrastructure. Operators need to make their mode of transport attractive. Consignees choose what works best for them,” he added.
The NPA spokesperson described 2025 as one of the most transformative years in the authority’s recent history, crediting the Managing Director, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and President Bola Tinubu for “bold policies unseen in many years.”
He listed port modernization as the biggest milestone. “The shipping world has changed. Bigger vessels with modern technology are coming. To attract them, our ports must be modernized. This government was bold enough to take that step,” he said.
He also highlighted the National Single Window, describing it as a “game-changer” that will reduce human interference and strengthen cargo clearance efficiency.
Looking ahead, Onyemekara predicted stronger performance in exports, tied to new Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) and efficiency reforms initiated by NPA management.
“Export figures are rising daily because of operational efficiency. In 2026, Nigeria will breathe fresh air in the maritime industry,” he assured.
On the NPA Managing Director’s recent international appointment, he said the honour will deepen investor confidence. “It brings greater respect from the international community. Foreign investors want to see signs that they will get returns on investment, and this government has created the right environment,” he said.
On the rising activity in Eastern ports, Onyemekara said better infrastructure and improved security now give consignees confidence to route cargo outside Lagos.
“In the past, people were unsure of infrastructure and security in those regions. Today, government investments have fixed that. Consignees now have the freedom to send cargo anywhere,” he said.
He described the successful rollout of the ETO electronic traffic call-up system as one of NPA’s most impactful innovations.
“Before ETO, businesses collapsed in Apapa and residents moved out. Sanity has returned. We replicated the same in Onne to avoid a repeat of past problems,” he said.
On staff welfare, Onyemekara said the workforce is more motivated than in previous years, citing rapid promotions, training, and better retirement processes. “Promotions that were stagnated for years have been cleared. Our officers are internationally trained, consistently trained, and celebrated anywhere in the world,” he noted.
He praised the synergy with the Nigerian Customs Service and agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
“We have a minister who believes in teamwork. Sitting, planning, and working together has removed barriers and strengthened collaboration,” he said.
Despite the progress, he said stakeholder impatience remains a major challenge.
“Some stakeholders want results immediately. We only ask for patience. We operate under authority and must get proper approvals to implement policies,” he concluded.
