The Federal Government has directed an immediate investigation into allegations that indigenous barge operators are being marginalised at Nigeria’s seaports, in a move aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting local investments within the maritime logistics chain.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat held in Lagos, where he mandated the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to probe claims of anti-competitive practices allegedly favouring foreign-linked operators.
The development follows growing concerns within the maritime sector over the treatment of local operators in the barge segment, which plays a critical role in easing port congestion and facilitating inland cargo evacuation, particularly across Lagos ports where pressure on infrastructure has persisted in recent years.
At the engagement, representatives of indigenous barge operators raised concerns over what they described as a coordinated effort to push them out of the market.
“There is a coordinated and deliberate attempt by certain foreign interests to edge them out of business,” they said, warning that such practices could erode indigenous capacity and distort competition across the country’s port logistics ecosystem.
They further argued that “policies, operational bottlenecks, and preferential treatment allegedly being accorded to some foreign-linked entities by certain terminal operators are creating an uneven playing field,” adding that these constraints are steadily shrinking their market share and threatening the survival of local investments.
The barge segment, regarded as a vital component of port operations, has increasingly become a focal point for market competition, with indigenous operators playing a central role in supporting last-mile cargo movement and reducing pressure on road transport systems.
Responding to the concerns, Oyetola reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field and protecting local content, directing the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, in its role as port economic regulator, to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation” into the allegations.
He stated unequivocally that “any form of anti-competitive behaviour or policy inconsistency that disadvantages Nigerian businesses would not be tolerated,” underscoring the administration’s position on safeguarding domestic maritime investments.
The minister also emphasised that stakeholder engagement remains a key policy tool for identifying operational challenges and driving reforms within the sector, noting that the government is focused on strengthening the marine and blue economy as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
