Maritime industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the lack of effective enforcement of key maritime laws by the Federal Government, leading to foreign dominance in Nigeria’s domestic market. The failure to enforce the Cabotage Act of 2003 and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act of 2007 has discouraged local shipping companies from engaging in the transportation of goods.
During a workshop for maritime journalists in Lagos, a former Director of Shipping Development at NIMASA highlighted the exclusive rights granted to national carriers under these Acts, emphasizing the need for their proper implementation to support the growth of the indigenous shipping sector. He pointed out that the neglect of these laws has made Nigeria susceptible to foreign control in shipping and trade logistics, eroding the country’s influence in the maritime industry.
The mismanagement and lack of oversight in cargo allocations within international shipping conferences were also criticized, with foreign carriers exploiting corruption and favoritism to outbid Nigerian operators. This practice has further marginalized local companies and weakened Nigeria’s competitive position in the global shipping industry.
The dire state of the indigenous shipping industry was further emphasized by another speaker, noting the absence of Nigerian-owned vessels among the thousands calling at the nation’s seaports annually. The collapse of the Nigerian National Shipping Line was lamented as a symbol of governmental neglect and mismanagement, reflecting the country’s limited presence in international shipping despite its abundant resources and regulatory authority.