Nigerian maritime leaders urge tech investment and local cargo contracts

Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Director-General of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), has called for increased technology investment and indigenous participation to drive Nigeria’s economic growth. During a meeting with representatives from Dangote Industries Limited, Akutah emphasized that sustainable development requires stronger collaboration between the government and local businesses, alongside reforms to improve system efficiency and competitiveness.

In a related industry dialogue, indigenous shipowners have appealed to the Dangote Group to support local fleet development. Capt. Ladi Olubowale, Group Managing Director of Seamate Maritime Integrated Services Limited, urged the conglomerate to provide long-term Contracts of Affreightment (CoA) for petroleum, cement, and fertilizer. Olubowale noted that such predictable cargo contracts are essential for Nigerian shipowners to secure vessel financing and compete with foreign-controlled entities.