The Federal Government has secured the interest of leading global maritime giants—DP World and AD Ports Group—to revive Nigeria’s national shipping carrier in a bold move to strengthen the country’s maritime sector.
The announcement was made by Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, who revealed that discussions are already at an advanced stage to bring the long-awaited project to life.
Nigeria’s previous national carrier, the Nigerian National Shipping Line, collapsed in 1995 after years of financial struggles, leaving the country heavily dependent on foreign shipping companies.
The new initiative aims to reverse that trend by restoring Nigeria’s presence in global shipping and ensuring greater control over its maritime trade.
Jobs, Trade Growth and Economic Impact
Alo360 reports, According to Oyetola, the proposed national carrier will reduce reliance on foreign shipping lines, retain more value within the local economy, and create significant employment opportunities.
The move is also part of a broader maritime reform agenda, which includes port modernization across the country and the planned disbursement of funds to support indigenous shipowners. These efforts are expected to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade and improve efficiency in cargo handling.
Industry stakeholders have described the development as long overdue, noting that a strong national carrier could lower shipping costs, enhance logistics, and position Nigeria as a key maritime hub in Africa.
If successfully implemented, the partnership with global players like DP World and AD Ports could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s blue economy—unlocking new investments, strengthening trade routes, and driving long-term economic growth.
