Oyetola

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged exclusion of Nigerian barge operators in the lifting of cargo at the various nation’s seaports, warning that the Federal Government is committed to protecting indigenous investors and would not gloss over such allegations.

Recall that barge operators had at the Ministry’s 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat held in Lagos recently, alleged that there was a coordinated push by foreign-linked interests to edge them out of the market, warning that such practices could erode indigenous capacity and distort competition within the maritime logistics chain.

The indigenous operators had also cited policy inconsistencies, operational bottlenecks, and what they described as preferential treatment by some terminal operators as key factors creating an uneven business environment.

They further alleged that these pressures are steadily shrinking their market share and threatening the survival of local firms.

 The Minister has in reaction to the allegation, directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, to investigate allegations of systemic attempts to sideline local barge operators at Nigeria’s seaports.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding local investments and maintaining a level playing field and report back to the Ministry for necessary action.

He tasked the NSC, as port economic regulator, with conducting a thorough and impartial probe into the allegations.

The statement reads in part: “Let me put it on record that this Ministry under my watch and the Federal Government will not tolerate anti-competitive practices or policies that place Nigerian operators in disadvantaged position, and this underscores the government’s resolve to enforce fairness across the sector.”

The Minister further highlighted the value of sustained stakeholder engagement in identifying industry challenges and shaping responsive policy measures, noting that the administration remains focused on positioning the marine and blue economy as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.