The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has cautioned that 2026 will be a defining year for the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry, urging that momentum from policy steps taken in 2025 must translate into measurable performance improvements this year.
In its Public New Year Maritime Outlook Communiqué, issued on December 30, 2025, SEREC described 2025 as a transitional year marked by institutional restructuring under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, early reforms, and persistent economic pressures such as foreign exchange instability.
The centre noted that while several digital and procedural reforms were articulated, many remain at early stages, with port automation efforts lagging and over 15 distinct trade-related systems operating with limited interoperability. Human involvement still dominates cargo clearance processes, keeping Nigeria’s ports behind regional peers.
SEREC pointed to ongoing modernization initiatives, including the roll-out of the National Single Window (NSW) and the B’Odogwu unified customs platform, which introduced non-intrusive inspection capabilities and strengthened audit functions despite transitional disruptions.
Progress was also noted in operational improvements such as enhanced ship turnaround times and truck processing efficiencies, although cargo dwell times remained high compared with regional hubs.
The organisation identified key constraints — including high operational costs, weak intermodal transport systems, and foreign exchange volatility — that must be addressed to elevate confidence among investors and shipping stakeholders.
SEREC concluded that 2026 presents a decisive opportunity to consolidate reforms, accelerate automation, deepen inter-agency coordination, and reduce trade costs to bolster Nigeria’s position in regional and global maritime trade.
January 2, 2026 — Source: JournalNG