IMAN Urges Nigeria to Put Economics at Heart of Port Development
Nigeria’s drive to modernise its seaports should be guided by economic viability, investment capacity, cargo demand and maritime security, rather than simply the desire to establish ports in different locations, a maritime expert has said.
Dr. Ibrahim Mahmoud Mubarak, Director of Customs and Extant Trade Facilitation at the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) Special Taskforce, made the submission during a panel session at the fourth MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture held in Lagos on September 10, 2026.
The lecture, which focused on “Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question,” brought together stakeholders to examine the challenges affecting the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Mubarak explained that existing ports have economic and geographical advantages that must be carefully considered before committing billions of dollars to new deep seaport projects.
He noted that proposed ports would need sufficient economic activity and cargo-generating capacity to justify the massive investment required for their development and long-term operation.
According to him, the viability of proposed deep seaports in Akwa Ibom and other locations would largely depend on economic activities such as industrial development and major energy projects capable of generating sustainable cargo and other port-related businesses.
“Port development is driven by economics,” Mubarak stressed, identifying demand for port services and access to capital as major factors that should shape decisions on port development.
He argued that establishing ports without strong economic fundamentals could create infrastructure that struggles to attract the cargo volumes needed to remain commercially viable.
Beyond infrastructure, Mubarak drew attention to the human and security dimensions of port competitiveness, particularly the impact of maritime security concerns on the cost of doing business.
Speaking on war-risk insurance premiums associated with Nigerian waters, he acknowledged concerns over the additional costs imposed on shipping operators and called for stronger intervention by relevant government agencies and regulators through bilateral and international engagements.
While acknowledging progress by the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in reducing piracy incidents, Mubarak noted that international maritime security organisations and insurers consider a wider range of indicators when assessing risks associated with Nigerian waters.
He pointed to incidents involving stowaways, unauthorised access to port facilities and other security breaches as factors that could continue to influence international perceptions of Nigeria’s maritime risk profile.
Mubarak therefore called for stronger communication of Nigeria’s security improvements to the international maritime community, alongside sustained diplomatic and regulatory efforts to address war-risk insurance and other costs affecting port competitiveness.
He also identified modernisation, integration, technology and institutional coordination as key areas requiring attention if Nigeria is to build a more efficient maritime sector.
According to him, duplication of responsibilities among government agencies remains an obstacle that can be addressed through better institutional integration and the effective use of technology.
Greater coordination, he explained, would help reduce overlapping functions, speed up processes and create a more seamless operating environment for importers, exporters, shipping companies and other port users.
Mubarak further called for a change in the mindset of stakeholders across the maritime value chain, stressing that infrastructure and technology alone cannot transform Nigeria’s ports without institutional cooperation and a shared commitment to national economic objectives.
He commended the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for providing a platform for stakeholders to openly examine the challenges confronting the nation’s ports and urged the association to continue highlighting issues that affect the competitiveness and development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
