Local barge operators in Nigeria’s maritime sector have raised alarms over alleged deliberate efforts by foreign interests and certain terminal operators to sideline them, prompting Marine and Blue Economy Minister Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola to order an investigation by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
At the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement in Lagos, barge operators detailed a coordinated push to undermine their operations at the nation’s seaports.
They accused foreign-linked entities of receiving preferential treatment, including policy biases and operational hurdles that create an uneven playing field, erode their market share, and threaten the survival of indigenous businesses.
The operators warned that these issues could cripple local capacity and disrupt competition in the maritime logistics chain if not addressed.
In response, Minister Oyetola affirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding local investments and fair play.
He tasked the NSC, as port economic regulator, with a thorough, impartial probe into the claims, vowing zero tolerance for anti-competitive practices or inconsistencies harming Nigerian firms.
The minister highlighted ongoing stakeholder forums as key to tackling such challenges and boosting the sector for growth, jobs, and development.
