MARASSON Slams Federal Government Over Policy Inaction on Local Shipping
The Maritime Researchers and Authors Association of Nigeria (MARASSON) has strongly criticized the Federal Government for its policy inaction regarding local shipping, pointing to the Dangote Refinery's recent export activities as a stark example of missed opportunities. In a policy paper released by the research body, MARASSON described the situation as a wake-up call for the government to leverage Nigeria's maritime sector for economic growth.
Dangote Refinery's Export Success Highlights Government Failures
MARASSON noted that the Dangote Refinery's export of 456,000 tonnes of petroleum products to several African countries underscores the Federal Government's failure to capture significant economic benefits in the maritime domain. The research body emphasized that this development demonstrates what can be achieved when infrastructure, policy alignment, and private sector investment are effectively coordinated.
In the policy paper titled 'Nigeria's Maritime Wake-Up Call: Stop Watching the Wealth Sail Away', signed by Director of International Trade Sunday Ademuyiwa, MARASSON expressed concern over the government's lack of progress in implementing key maritime policies. Ademuyiwa stated that while the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy announced plans to reposition the sector through the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, tangible advancements remain limited.
Government Promises Versus Reality
Ademuyiwa referenced commitments made at the May 14, 2025, sectoral retreat in Abuja, where government officials pledged to realign strategies and drive impactful reforms. However, he lamented that many of these policies have yet to translate into concrete action, remaining merely on paper. He pointed out that Nigeria's trade routes are poorly secured, and foreign vessels continue to dominate shipping lanes that should support indigenous operators.
"But to date, little has been done. Policies remain on paper, trade routes are poorly protected, and foreign vessels dominate routes that should belong to Nigerian operators. This inaction undermines our potential and lets opportunities slip away," Ademuyiwa stated.
Risks of Missing Economic Opportunities
Ademuyiwa warned that despite recent industry gains, such as the Dangote Refinery recording over 600 vessel calls in its first year of operation, the country risks missing out on significant economic opportunities. He highlighted that the refinery's activities have generated employment, boosted marine services, and stimulated indigenous shipping, yet the failure to implement frameworks like the Cabotage regime continues to undermine local participation and economic growth.
He stressed that for Nigeria to benefit, the government must engage industry professionals more actively, strengthen maritime infrastructure, and enforce policies that protect domestic shipping interests. Ademuyiwa added that the refinery's expanding operations have the potential to deepen West African coastal trade, enhance Nigeria's participation in regional commerce, and reduce reliance on foreign shipping lines.
Call for Decisive Action
Ademuyiwa concluded with a warning that without decisive action, Nigeria may continue to lose control of its maritime resources to external players, despite its strategic advantage and growing trade volumes. He emphasized that the country stands at a critical juncture, where swift and deliberate policy implementation will determine whether its maritime potential translates into measurable economic gains.
