Nigeria’s maritime sector stood at a defining moment on Thursday in Apapa, Lagos, as industry leaders, regulators, security agencies and journalists converged to chart a new course for port efficiency in an era shaped by rapid technological change. At the 2026 Annual Conference and Awards of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), the message was clear and urgent: modernise or risk losing cargo, credibility and competitive edge in West Africa.
Delivering the Chairman’s address on behalf of Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN) set the tone with a candid assessment of Nigeria’s port realities. While acknowledging the country’s vast maritime potential, she pointed to persistent inefficiencies—high cargo dwell time, opaque charges and infrastructure gaps—that continue to divert trade to neighbouring ports in Lomé, Cotonou and Tema. Yet, amid these challenges, a pathway to transformation is emerging.
Technology, she emphasised, is already proving its value. Digital interventions such as the Eto electronic call-up system and the ongoing National Single Window project are gradually restoring order and streamlining port operations. But incremental progress, she warned, is not enough.
From Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analytics for smarter vessel scheduling and customs profiling, to Blockchain systems capable of eliminating documentation fraud, the call was for a decisive embrace of innovation.
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for real-time cargo tracking, alongside automated port equipment and enhanced digital security frameworks, was identified as critical to building globally competitive ports.
The Lekki Deep Sea Port, she noted, offers a ready template for deploying such smart infrastructure from the ground up.
Beyond technology, governance and collaboration emerged as key pillars. Regulatory agencies were urged to accelerate digitalisation, enforce compliance and incentivise private sector investment in modern port systems.
The media, in particular, was challenged to sustain its watchdog role—ensuring accountability while amplifying reforms that deliver results.
In her welcome address, AMJON President Vera Osokpo reinforced the urgency of the moment, describing the conference as more than an annual gathering but “the parliament of maritime media.” She framed port efficiency as a national economic imperative, not merely an industry concern, citing global benchmarks where technology already drives seamless trade operations.
With over 90 percent of Nigeria’s trade moving through its ports and billions of dollars reportedly lost annually to inefficiencies, Osokpo declared that the era of delayed reforms must end. She positioned AMJON as a critical bridge between policymakers, operators and the public—committed to fearless reporting, demanding accountability and promoting solutions that work.
Security, another cornerstone of efficient port operations, featured prominently in goodwill messages.
The Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western Command), Apapa Lagos , CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja underscored the link between safety and trade growth, noting that rising cargo volumes mean little without robust protection of infrastructure and personnel.
She highlighted ongoing collaboration between the police, port authorities and other agencies in safeguarding terminals, waterways and access corridors, while calling for stronger engagement with the media to enhance transparency and public trust.
With Nigeria controlling a significant share of cargo traffic in West and Central Africa, she described security as both a national duty and a regional responsibility.
Adding a human dimension to the discourse, Ambassador Prevail Farida Ahmed, Founder of the Peace, Progress and Unity Global Initiative, commended improvements along the Apapa corridor—once synonymous with gridlock—attributing the progress to collective effort.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, she urged stakeholders to sustain momentum and pursue development without sacrificing wellbeing.
Across speeches and interventions, a common thread ran through the conference: Nigeria’s ports cannot afford to lag in a world where speed, efficiency and transparency define trade competitiveness.
The consensus was unmistakable—technology must move from pilot phases to full-scale implementation, supported by strong institutions, effective security and a vigilant media.
As deliberations continue, stakeholders expressed hope that the outcomes of the conference will translate into actionable policies, ensuring that Nigeria not only retains its maritime dominance in the region but evolves into a benchmark for modern port operations.
For now, the industry stands poised between promise and performance—aware that the decisions made today will determine whether Nigeria’s ports lead the future or remain trapped in the inefficiencies of the past.
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