Freight Forwarders Warn of Sabotage Threats to Government’s Blue Economy Reforms

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have expressed concern over what they describe as deliberate sabotage of the Federal Government’s Blue Economy reforms, warning that the trend could undermine efforts to maximise the sector’s economic potential.

The freight forwarding community, under various associations, has alleged that certain interests within the system are working against new policies aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and revenue generation in the maritime industry. They argue that such actions, if unchecked, could stall progress in harnessing Nigeria’s vast marine resources for economic growth.

Speaking in Lagos, representatives of freight forwarding associations said the reforms introduced by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy were designed to modernise port operations, streamline cargo clearance procedures, and attract foreign investment. However, they claimed that entrenched bottlenecks, bureaucratic delays, and resistance from vested interests were frustrating implementation.

Mr. Tony Nwabunike, a former president of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), noted that the Blue Economy initiative has the potential to contribute billions of naira to national revenue annually, create jobs, and boost trade competitiveness. He lamented that deliberate disruptions — such as unnecessary procedural hurdles and manipulation of cargo valuation — are discouraging operators and increasing the cost of doing business.

“The government has a clear vision for the Blue Economy, but some people are bent on maintaining the old, inefficient order because it benefits them personally. This is not in the interest of the country or the industry,” Nwabunike said.

Industry players cited cases of operational inconsistencies at the ports, including conflicting directives from agencies, delays in issuing permits, and the reintroduction of redundant manual processes despite recent investments in digitalisation. They argue that such practices contradict the government’s stated goal of achieving seamless port operations.

Ms. Ifeoma Ude, a logistics consultant, stressed that sabotage could erode investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector. According to her, international shipping lines and foreign investors monitor the ease of doing business in port operations closely, and any sign of systemic inefficiency or policy reversals raises red flags.

“Investors want stability, predictability, and speed. Once you have constant policy somersaults or deliberate slowdowns, the message you send is that Nigeria is a risky environment. That’s why the government must take these sabotage claims seriously,” Ude stated.

The freight forwarders also raised concerns over the lack of synergy among key stakeholders in the maritime value chain. They emphasised that without collaboration between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and terminal operators, the benefits of the Blue Economy initiative might remain unrealised.

Some operators called for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that reforms are implemented faithfully and that any individuals or groups found sabotaging government efforts are sanctioned. They also recommended regular stakeholder engagement to address operational grievances before they escalate into deliberate obstruction.

In response, officials from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy reiterated the government’s commitment to its reform agenda, assuring industry players that any form of sabotage would be met with strict penalties. A senior ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the government is aware of “resistance in certain quarters” and is working to eliminate such barriers.

Maritime economists say the Blue Economy — which covers shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology, and renewable ocean energy — could significantly diversify Nigeria’s economy if properly developed. However, they warn that sabotage, policy inconsistency, and infrastructure deficits could slow progress.

The Nigerian government has set ambitious targets for the sector, including reducing cargo dwell time, increasing port automation, and enhancing intermodal transport connectivity. To achieve this, stakeholders stress the need for strong political will, transparency, and accountability across all agencies involved in port and maritime operations.

Moving forward, industry leaders say that building trust between regulators and operators will be crucial. This includes ensuring that reforms are not just announced but actively enforced, with clear timelines and measurable performance indicators. They also called for digital integration of all port processes to reduce human interference and the opportunities for corruption or manipulation.

Ultimately, freight forwarders believe that the success of the Blue Economy reforms will depend on the government’s ability to confront and dismantle entrenched interests resisting change. Without such decisive action, they warn, Nigeria risks missing out on the multi-billion-naira opportunities the sector offers — opportunities that could otherwise help stabilise the economy, create employment, and strengthen the country’s global trade position.