Abuja: Nigeria has recorded a decline in piracy incidents compared to previous years, according to the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC). The Head of Research at SEREC, Eugene Nweke, announced this development in a statement marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the decline in piracy is attributed to multinational patrols and investments in surveillance. Eugene Nweke highlighted that Nigeria’s efforts in the marine and blue economy have also led to the expansion of seafarer training programs, with hundreds of cadets now completing their mandatory sea-time. This progress is laying the groundwork for a more robust workforce in the sector.
Nweke also pointed out that the activation of inland container depots and dry ports is easing congestion along the Lagos corridor, indicating progress in developing multimodal trade systems. However, he emphasized the need for a strong steel industry to further enhance the marine sector and reduce reliance on imports. Without a functioning steel industry, Nigeria’s shipyards remain dependent on imports, which affects their competitiveness and capacity for large-scale ship repair or new construction.
Nweke noted the necessity of addressing the national carrier gap, stating that a single national operator is insufficient for establishing Nigeria as a maritime nation. He stressed that sustainability in the sector requires governance free from political interference and supported by private capital. Furthermore, Nigeria is experiencing a multimodal deficit, with ports overly reliant on road transport and lacking developed rail and inland waterways, which hampers competitiveness.
He also raised concerns about environmental sustainability, noting that it has not been integrated into port concessions, which could cause Nigeria to fall behind in meeting global decarbonisation standards. Additionally, Nigeria faces a trade imbalance, importing more machinery, food, and refined fuel than it exports, which strains foreign exchange reserves and worsens the trade balance.
To tackle these challenges, Nweke suggested linking maritime development with industrialisation by reviving the steel industry, even through modular mini-mills, which are essential for establishing a credible shipbuilding and repair industry. He advocated for a comprehensive Blue Economy policy that transcends documentation, emphasizing the potential of fisheries, aquaculture, ocean energy, and seabed mining to drive growth if supported by research, sustainability, and transparent regulation.
He further emphasized the importance of multimodal transport, stating that functional integration of rail, barge, and inland ports is crucial for enhancing trade efficiency and reducing congestion at ports like Apapa and Tin Can. Nweke urged revenue agencies to focus on tangible impacts, such as reducing port costs, improving cargo flow, and enhancing trade competitiveness.
Nweke asserted that Nigeria’s maritime sector holds the potential for job creation, industrialisation, and regional leadership but requires structural reforms to realize this potential. He concluded by stating that, as Nigeria turns 65, the focus should shift from ceremonial speeches to execution. He called for initiatives such as steel production for shipbuilding, disciplined governance of national carriers, green ports, regulated seabed mining, empowered seafarers, and multimodal integration to truly reflect the wealth of Nigeria’s maritime resources.