Ports and inland waterways development has long been central to Nigeria’s trade and economic growth. The coastline runs for more than 850 kilometres. Navigable rivers such as the Niger and the Benue extend that network far inland. Together they move goods across the country and beyond.
Why ports and inland waterways development matters to the economy
Ports do more than shelter ships and handle cargo. They also carry real socio-economic weight. Government revenue is one clear example. Ports generate duties, taxes and fees from the investors and traders who import and export through them. That revenue flows to both the Federal and State governments.
The recent numbers show the scale. In 2024, agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy generated ₦850.3 billion. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) are among those agencies. The figure rose from ₦479 billion in 2023. As a result, the sector recorded growth of more than 70% in a single year.
The case for private investment in ports and inland waterways development
Strong revenue growth signals rising demand for port and river-transport capacity. Meeting that demand takes sustained capital. Consequently, private investment has a clear role alongside the public agencies that regulate and operate the sector. In broad terms, investment can support terminal capacity, cargo handling, channel maintenance and inland river transport. Moreover, a predictable regulatory framework helps investors price long-term risk with more confidence.
Nigeria’s wider infrastructure framework is also shifting. The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Act, 2026 creates a dedicated economic regulator for the ports sector. In addition, our legal analysis of the ICRC PPP Regulatory Notice sets out how the approval regime for public–private infrastructure projects now works. Read together, they show how the ground rules for ports and inland waterways development are being redrawn.
To discuss investment in Nigeria’s ports, terminals or inland waterways, please contact our energy and infrastructure team.