Nigeria’s ports and inland waterways have long been central to the nation’s trade and economic development. With a coastline exceeding 850 kilometers and an extensive network of navigable rivers, such as the Niger and Benue, these waterways facilitate the movement of goods across the country and beyond.
The significance of ports and inland waterways cannot be over emphasised. Beyond providing shelter and operational facilities for ships and cargo, they perform critical socio-economic functions within society. Ports generate substantial revenue for both the Federal and State governments through duties, taxes, and fees paid by investors and traders engaged in import and export activities.
According to recent reports, in 2025, agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), generated ₦850.3 billion in 2024, a sharp rise from ₦479 billion in 2023, representing a growth of more than 70% within a single year.
