Fast-Track Port Digitalization To Unlock AfCFTA, Centre Urges FG
The Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment (BACITI) has called on the Nigerian government to accelerate the full digitalization of its ports and strengthen multimodal connectivity as critical steps to unlocking the country’s trade potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In its latest report titled “Building Resilient Port and Trade Logistics in Nigeria”, BACITI outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s port infrastructure, enhancing security, and addressing persistent logistical bottlenecks that continue to undermine the country’s competitiveness.
Top among the recommendations is the urgent implementation of a fully functional Port Community System (PCS) across all major ports by 2025, drawing lessons from successful models in Morocco and Kenya.
The Centre also advocated the adoption of blockchain-based cargo tracking systems—technologies already piloted in some parts of Africa—to improve transparency, reduce delays, and combat fraud.
BACITI emphasised that without swift and coordinated action, Nigeria risks missing out on the transformative benefits of the AfCFTA, including improved intra-African trade, industrialisation, and reduced dependency on volatile global markets.
“Modernizing port operations and embracing digital efficiency are essential to positioning Nigeria as a trade powerhouse,” the report stated, warning that outdated infrastructure, excessive bureaucracy, and insecurity continue to drive up the cost of doing business and delay cargo movement.
The Centre highlighted the urgent need to complete the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor extension to both Lekki and Apapa ports, as well as strategic investments in inland dry ports in locations such as Kaduna, Kano, and Funtua. These efforts, it said, will help decongest overstretched seaports and improve hinterland connectivity.
In addressing the country’s ageing infrastructure, the report cited data showing that Africa requires between $130bn and $170bn annually in infrastructure investment, but faces a $108bn financing gap.
Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, if left unaddressed, could continue to stifle trade efficiency and delay the broader AfCFTA goals.
BACITI further called for an expansion of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks to attract investment for the modernization of ports such as Warri, Calabar, and Onne.
Private capital, the report argued, will be essential for upgrading critical assets and bringing in global best practices.
The report also raised concerns over rising logistics risks, including maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, which had previously been tagged the world’s piracy hotspot.
Although piracy incidents have declined, the Centre urged for stronger regional cooperation, enhanced legal frameworks, and improved intelligence-sharing to safeguard trade routes.
On resilience, BACITI proposed the creation of a National Port Contingency Plan to address external shocks such as pandemics, climate disasters, and geopolitical tensions.
It also advised diversifying trade corridors to ease the current overreliance on Lagos ports, which remain vulnerable to congestion and systemic delays.
The report recommended that Nigeria invest in climate-resilient port infrastructure and adopt strategic stockpiling of critical goods to mitigate supply chain shocks.
It also flagged the need to reduce non-tariff barriers, such as cumbersome customs procedures and inconsistent cross-border regulations, which function as hidden trade taxes.
“Customs inefficiencies, overlapping inspections, and long port dwell times are hurting Nigeria’s trade competitiveness,” the Centre noted, calling for the urgent harmonization of port processes and the elimination of bureaucratic red tape.
BACITI concluded by urging Nigerian authorities to take leadership in building a more agile and resilient African trading system.
While acknowledging promising projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port and recent efforts to streamline operations, the Centre cautioned that much more is needed.
“In a world of unpredictable global shocks, Nigeria’s best defence is a robust, flexible trade logistics system that can absorb disruptions and support inclusive economic growth,” the report said.
“The ripple effects of a more efficient Nigerian port system will be felt across the continent.”
Fast-Track Port Digitalization To Unlock AfCFTA, Centre Urges FG is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
