# Nigeria maritime reform and investment drive

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-maritime-reform-and-investment-drive
> Updated: 2026-08-24T19:18:47.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, Nigeria’s government emphasized the need for swift, fair resolution of maritime disputes, convening the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja. Officials pledged legislative and institutional reforms, regional cooperation, and the ratification of international conventions to boost investor confidence and lower trade costs.

By August, the focus expanded to industrial roadmaps and structural challenges. The Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) released a shipbuilding trend report, developed with Plug and Play Singapore, which outlines a strategy to establish Nigeria as a leading African hub for shipbuilding, repair, and offshore engineering. The report advocates for a technology-driven ecosystem utilizing AI, robotics, and blockchain.

Simultaneously, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of local industry participation. The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) reported that foreign entities control over 95 percent of Nigerian import and export carriage and associated freight earnings, leaving indigenous shipowners with only 4 to 5 percent of the market. SCAN attributed this imbalance to high interest rates, regulatory hurdles, and systemic funding gaps.

To address these issues, several industry events are planned: a maritime lecture on September 10 in Lagos focused on port modernization and competitiveness, and a SCAN summit on October 29 aimed at securing ‘low-risk capital for indigenous shipowners’ to overcome financial bottlenecks. Additionally, the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) will host a training summit on September 4 to address skills gaps and the digitalization of ports, featuring discussions on how innovations like the Unified Customs Management System impact trade facilitation.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Lagos Maritime Summit to focus on innovation and digital reforms

The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria will host a summit in Lagos on September 4, focusing on maritime training innovation, digital reforms, and the role of technology in Nigeria’s blue economy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lagos-maritime-summit-to-focus-on-innovation-and-digital-reforms

### 2026-08-12: Nigeria maritime sector faces low indigenous participation

The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria is planning a 2026 summit to address how foreign operators control 95% of the nation's maritime freight earnings while local participation remains at 4-5%.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-maritime-sector-faces-low-indigenous-participation

### 2026-08-06: Nigeria advances maritime sector with shipbuilding report and port lecture

Nigeria issued a shipbuilding trend report and set a maritime lecture to boost port competitiveness, outlining tech‑driven strategies and policy reforms for its maritime sector.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-advances-maritime-sector-with-shipbuilding-report-and-port-lecture

### 2026-07-22: Nigeria pushes maritime justice reforms to attract investment

Nigeria’s SGF Senator George Akume pledged to turn maritime‑justice seminar outcomes into policy, aiming to speed dispute resolution, boost investor confidence and harmonise West African shipping law.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-pushes-maritime-justice-reforms-to-attract-investment

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Cite as: Nigeria maritime reform and investment drive. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-maritime-reform-and-investment-drive