As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has issued a hard-hitting scorecard on the maritime sector, indicating that despite notable gains, the industry still struggles under the weight of unrealised potential.
In a statement signed by its Head of Research, Chief Eugene Nweke, SEREC acknowledged that the maritime industry remains Nigeria’s economic lifeline, handling more than 80 percent of national trade.
It listed key progress areas including the expansion of major ports, regional leadership in anti-piracy campaigns, improved seafarer training, and the creation of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The recent re-emergence of a national shipping line, it said, also signals a bid to restore maritime identity.
However, SEREC stressed that the sector is still defined more by its shortcomings. “Without a functioning steel industry, Nigeria’s shipyards remain import-dependent and uncompetitive,” Nweke warned.
He added that one national carrier is inadequate for sustainability, while weak multimodal links keep ports dependent on overstretched roads.
The statement also flagged Nigeria’s failure to mainstream environmental sustainability into port operations, warning that the country risks falling behind global decarbonisation standards.
On trade, SEREC noted that Nigeria continues to import machinery, food, and refined fuel in volumes that dwarf non-oil exports, worsening the balance of trade. It added that despite progress against piracy, security costs remain high due to lingering war-risk premiums in the Gulf of Guinea.
He called for urgent reforms, calling for maritime development to be tied directly to industrialisation.
“Reviving steel, even through modular mini-mills, is essential for a credible shipbuilding and repair industry,” Nweke stated.
Meanwhile, he advocated for practical execution of the Blue Economy policy, investment in fisheries, aquaculture, ocean energy, and seabed mining, as well as rail and inland waterways integration to ease Apapa and Tin Can congestion.
“The time for ceremonial speeches is over. The next decade must be about execution – steel for shipbuilding, disciplined national carrier governance, green ports, empowered seafarers, and multimodal integration. Only then will Nigeria’s maritime sector reflect the true wealth of its waters.”
