NEGF 9TH EDITION: Stakeholders Make Case For Local Content In Sustainability Of Investments
By Roland Ekama
Stakeholders of Nigeria’s private sector in port operations have called for concrete, data-driven steps to strengthen indigenous investment and shield local enterprises from policy uncertainty and market disruptions.
The call was disclosed during the 9th CEOs National Roundtable Discussion (NRD) 2026,, put together by TM Concept, with theme “Sustaining indigenous Investment and protecting Private Enterprise Opportunities in National Development and Innovation.
The conference opened in Apapa , Lagos ,with the formal declaration by Hajia Bola Idayat Muse Managing Director /CEO of Bomarah Investment Ltd, , who urged attendees to ensure that indigenous investors are empowered to work, grow and compete for national development.
Delivering the Chairperson’s opening remarks, Hajia Muse, said sustaining indigenous investment requires predictable policy, faster port operations, and formal recognition of government–private sector partnership.
The freight forwarder, who has worked across Apapa, Tincan and Port Harcourt seaports since 1994, urged the stakeholders to “move from discussion to data,” asking participants to document the real cost of port delays and press for processes that allow Nigerian firms to plan beyond single shipments.
Muse who is the national Treasurer, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) noted that Indigenous investment built the warehouses and fleets around Apapa pointing out that “With the right environment, it will build our processing plants, export terminals, and tech hubs.
“So my charge today is simple: Let this roundtable move from discussion to data. Let us document the real cost of delays. Let government commit to predictable processes. Let NEGF continue to give private enterprise a strong voice.
“Nigeria develops when indigenous investors are allowed to work, grow, and compete” she added.
In the keynote, Otunba Abdulazeez Babatunde Mikhail, CEO of Mickey Excellency Nigeria Limited, highlighted rising competition from large foreign firms entering logistics value chains and urged balanced regulation that welcomes foreign capital while protecting local operators.
Mikhail, who is a former Secretary General of ANLCA was represented by his daughter Mariam Abdulazeez Mikhail
He stressed the need for technology adoption, local content enforcement, and partnerships that ensure foreign investment complements rather than displaces indigenous enterprises.
Organisers said the NRD’s objective is to produce practical recommendations and actionable commitments that translate into improved regulatory certainty, easier access to finance, and stronger local participation across value chains.
Also addressing the gathering, Adisa Y. Olamilekan, Founder/Convener of NEGF‑Initiatives Concepts, framed indigenous investment as central to jobs, resilience and homegrown innovation.
He warned that excessive dependence on foreign capital leaves the economy vulnerable to external shocks, and called for policy consistency, expanded investment beyond major cities, and new financing channels — including pension funds and development finance — to unlock long‑term capital for local businesses.
Common themes from speakers included: Demand for stable, transparent rules on duties and waivers: Emphasis on innovation, mentorship, and collaboration between established firms and startups.
Others include – Calls to make speed at ports a standard service to reduce costly delays and demurrage;Requests for government to treat private enterprise as a development partner.
Proposals to harness domestic capital markets and institutional funds to finance Nigerian businesses.