The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has instructed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to probe claims of deliberate efforts to sideline local barge operators at Nigeria’s seaports.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola.
According to the statement, barge operators alleged that “there is a coordinated and deliberate attempt by certain foreign interests to edge them out of business.” They cautioned that “these actions, if left unchecked, could significantly weaken local capacity and disrupt the balance of competition within Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.”
The operators also raised concerns that “policies, operational bottlenecks, and preferential treatment allegedly being accorded to some foreign-linked entities by certain terminal operators are creating an uneven playing field.” They added that “these challenges are gradually eroding their market share and threatening the survival of indigenous businesses.”
In response, Oyetola reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to safeguard local investments and ensure fair competition within the maritime sector, directing the council to “carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims.”
He emphasized that “any form of anti-competitive behaviour or policy inconsistency that disadvantages Nigerian businesses would not be tolerated.”
The minister also highlighted stakeholder engagement as crucial for addressing industry concerns, noting that it helps in “identifying sectoral challenges and shaping responsive policy interventions.”
He added that the government remains committed to “strengthening the marine and blue economy sector as a driver of national growth, job creation, and sustainable development.”
