The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to investigate allegations of systemic marginalisation of indigenous barge operators at the nation’s seaports.
The directive was issued during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy held in Lagos.
At the meeting, representatives of local barge operators raised concerns over what they described as a coordinated effort by certain foreign-linked interests to edge them out of the maritime logistics value chain. They warned that such actions, if unchecked, could erode local capacity and distort fair competition within the sector.
The operators alleged that policy inconsistencies, operational bottlenecks, and preferential treatment by some terminal operators are creating an uneven playing field, gradually shrinking their market share and threatening the survival of indigenous businesses.
Responding, Oyetola reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting local investments and promoting a level playing field in the maritime industry. He tasked the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the sector’s economic regulator, to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the claims.
The Minister stressed that any form of anti-competitive practice or policy bias against Nigerian operators would not be tolerated, signaling a firm stance on safeguarding indigenous participation in the industry.
He further underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement as a critical platform for identifying challenges and shaping responsive policies, noting that the government remains focused on strengthening the marine and blue economy as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.