Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have called for the inauguration of a port sector economic taskforce, warning that continued underenforcement of critical policies is costing the country scarce dollars.

Bolaji Sumola, chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) speaking at a stakeholder meeting on effective implementation of the 10-year national policy on marine and blue economy in Lagos on Thursday, described the situation as “an economic and patriotic emergency.”

“Nigeria loses over $9bn annually due to underenforcement of the cabotage act,” he said. He called on the ministry to inaugurate the taskforce within 60 days that will pilot reforms across both Western and Eastern ports with quarterly reviews and transparent performance metrics.

“The time for analysis is over, we now need execution,” he said. “Our ports must have prioritised indigenous participation in shipping, terminal operations and maritime service. National/Indigenous companies must be protected and empowered.”

Sumola also expressed concern over long cargo dwell time at the ports, saying it remains “a major deterrent to trade and a direct cost to the economy.”

“Despite initiative by custom, cargo dwell time at Nigerian ports is unacceptably high… Through digital reforms, port community system and continuous Customs modernisation, we must cut this down to acceptable international standards,” he said.

“Every hour saved on our ports brings us closer to global competitiveness.”

He called for infrastructure upgrades that are “smart, green and accessible” as well as seamless inland connectivity to avoid the “congestion trap of the past.”

The ports consultative council, addressing the issue of human capital development urged investment in training and career opportunities for dockworkers, seafarers and other marine professionals.

“The policy must translate into skills development, scholarships, apprenticeships and new career paths in logistics, digital operations and port security. Human capital will define the future of our ports,” Sumola said.

Nigeria’s national policy on marine and blue economy, as presented by Adegboyega Oyetola, the ministry’s head, aims to harness Nigeria’s vast marine resources, including its over 853 kilometers of coastline and extensive inland waterways.

Aminu Umar, president of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), that Nigeria possesses “a lot of potential that are untapped.” “As a big country there is a lot we can do,” he said.

The policy also seeks to drive sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and ensure environmental sustainability.

The ports consultative council notes this as “a business imperative.” We can no longer afford oil spill, plastic pollution,” Sumola said.

Clean waterways mean a healthy environment for fishing. Ben Okonkwo, president of the Fishing Trawlers Association of Nigeria, said that there is now an increased ambition in fish production but moe support is needed.

“We’re finding some good strings out to the policy and we hope it will be sustained. What we need from government is ease of doing business. It can be achieved if we put our heads together,” Okonkwo said.

On improved port operations for ease of doing business, the ports consultative council added that the current manual clearance process must give way to a “unified, efficient and accountable system,” and urged government agencies to “lead the charge towards a single window 24/7 portal.”