The Minister of Marine and Blue Financial system, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to analyze allegations of systemic makes an attempt to undermine indigenous barge operators on the nation’s seaports.
Oyetola gave the directive in the course of the 2026 First Quarter Residents/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Efficiency Evaluation, and Ministerial Administration Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Financial system, held in Lagos.
In a press launch signed by the Particular Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, representatives of native barge operators on the discussion board raised considerations over what they described as a coordinated effort by sure overseas pursuits to edge them out of the maritime logistics worth chain.
The operators alleged {that a} mixture of unfavourable insurance policies, operational bottlenecks, and preferential remedy allegedly prolonged to some foreign-linked corporations by terminal operators is creating an uneven enjoying area.
In line with them, if the pattern is just not urgently addressed, it may erode indigenous participation, shrink their market share, and threaten the survival of native companies inside the sector.
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Responding, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Authorities’s dedication to safeguarding native investments and selling truthful competitors throughout the maritime trade.
He tasked the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, in its capability as port {economic} regulator, to hold out a complete and unbiased investigation into the allegations.
Oyetola warned that the federal government wouldn’t tolerate any type of anti-competitive practices or coverage inconsistencies able to disadvantaging Nigerian operators.
He additional burdened the significance of steady stakeholder engagement in figuring out trade challenges and shaping insurance policies that may drive progress and sustainability within the sector.
The Minister reiterated that the Federal Authorities stays dedicated to creating the marine and blue financial system as a key driver of {economic} progress, job creation, and nationwide growth.