The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to hold its fourth annual maritime lecture on September 10, 2026, with the competitiveness of Nigerian ports expected to take centre stage as industry stakeholders gather to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the country’s maritime sector.
The annual event is expected to bring together key players across Nigeria’s maritime industry, including government officials, port operators, shipping companies, terminal managers, maritime professionals and other stakeholders.
The focus on port competitiveness comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa. The country’s ports play a critical role in supporting international trade, facilitating imports and exports, generating employment and contributing to government revenue.
However, challenges including port congestion, infrastructure gaps, operational inefficiencies, high logistics costs and bureaucratic bottlenecks have continued to affect the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
The lecture is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical measures that could improve port efficiency and attract greater investment into the sector. Discussions are also likely to examine the role of technology, modern infrastructure and effective regulatory policies in improving the overall performance of Nigerian ports.
The competitiveness of the country’s ports has become increasingly important as neighbouring countries continue to invest in modern port infrastructure and seek to attract regional cargo. For Nigeria to remain competitive, stakeholders have emphasised the need to reduce the cost and time involved in moving goods through the ports.
The development of deep-sea port infrastructure, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, has created new opportunities for Nigeria’s maritime industry. However, industry observers continue to stress that infrastructure development must be complemented by efficient processes and strong connectivity to road and rail networks.
The MARAN lecture is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for participants to assess the progress made in the sector and identify areas requiring further attention.
Beyond infrastructure, the event could also examine the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and private-sector operators. Improved coordination among agencies involved in port operations could help reduce delays and create a more predictable environment for businesses.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and increase non-oil revenue, the maritime sector is expected to remain an important part of the country’s economic strategy. Efficient and competitive ports will be essential to supporting trade growth and positioning Nigeria as a major logistics and shipping destination.
The fourth annual maritime lecture is expected to contribute to the ongoing conversation about how Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its maritime domain.
With the event scheduled for September 10, stakeholders will be looking to the discussions for practical recommendations capable of improving port competitiveness, strengthening investment and supporting sustainable growth across Nigeria’s maritime industry.
