Nigeria-UK port upgrade to boost trade, efficiency, says Master Mariners

Nigeria-UK port upgrade to boost trade, efficiency, says Master Mariners

The President of the Nigeria Association of Master Mariners, Captain Tajudeen Alao, has commended the Federal Government’s partnership with the United Kingdom to rehabilitate the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports, describing the initiative as a major step forward in the Nigeria-UK port upgrade.

Alao, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the partnership would help toward modernising the maritime infrastructure.

He said the collaboration reflected the growing investor confidence in the port sector.

According to him, infrastructure upgrades are capital-intensive but essential for competitiveness.

“Having foreign investors come into this sector shows the confidence they have in return on their investment and the importance of the project to the global economy,” he said.

Alao explained that efficient port operations in Lagos are vital to the economy and the wider West African sub-region, adding that modernisation would improve turnaround time for vessels and attract more shipping traffic.

“With modernisation, port efficiency will increase. Ship turnaround time will improve, making Nigerian ports more attractive to major shipping lines and boosting trade,” he said.

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Alao, however, cautioned that policy uncertainty and political activities in the coming months could affect project timelines, urging stakeholders to support the initiative to ensure continuity.

He added that global trends were shifting toward smart ports driven by technology, which Nigeria must adopt to remain competitive.

NAN reports that the Federal Government plans to commence rehabilitation works on the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports before the end of the second quarter of 2026, with completion expected within 48 months.

In March, Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed a 746 million pounds export finance agreement to support the redevelopment of the ports.

Under the deal, UK Export Finance will guarantee loans for the project, while British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel under a 70 million pound contract.

Also, General Manager, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the rehabilitation would be executed in phases to ensure uninterrupted port operations.

“Rehabilitating our ports is a bold step by the Federal Government. We need to appreciate the Government and support the effort,” he said.

Onyemekara explained that the phased approach would allow continuous cargo handling, as sections under reconstruction would be completed before work begins on others.

“If Nigeria is to lead in maritime trade, it is critical that our ports are modernised and capable of receiving larger, modern vessels,” he said, adding that improved infrastructure would enhance efficiency and sustain revenue generation.