Business
Unlocking Nigeria’s Maritime Potential Through Strategic Vessel Financing

Experts have voiced concern over the state of Nigeria’s maritime sector, describing it as a paradox of untapped potential marred by economic stagnation. Despite Nigeria’s vast maritime resources — including an 853-kilometer coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and an exclusive economic zone extending over 200 nautical miles — the country has yet to fully harness its sea-bound assets.
A significant challenge lies in the areas of vessel financing and construction, where Nigeria’s maritime ambitions have been hampered by a lack of effective national policies and inadequate private sector investment. Indigenous shipping companies often struggle to secure financing for vessel acquisitions, resulting in substantial financial losses to foreign competitors. The absence of strategic policies has also slowed progress in shipbuilding, repairs, and dry docking, thereby limiting the growth of the blue economy.
On a global scale, vessel financing is a major financial sector, with extensive investment in ship acquisition and construction. In 2023, the top 40 banks lent $284.27 billion to the shipping industry, with total global lending reaching approximately $375 billion. The Petrofin Index places global ship finance, including leasing and export finance, at around $600 billion. This demonstrates the critical role of financial institutions in supporting global maritime operations.
However, Nigerian banks face several obstacles in supporting local shipping growth, including high interest rates and outdated financing methods. To unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector, innovative financing solutions and robust national policies are urgently needed.
At a recent forum organized by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, experts emphasized the need for comprehensive policies and increased private sector investment to overcome the challenges of vessel financing. A strategic approach could significantly enhance Nigeria’s maritime industry and position it as a global competitor.
Abdulkadir Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, highlighted the importance of adhering to international standards for ship quality and safety. He stressed that access to financing is vital for both vessel acquisition and construction, and understanding the evolving maritime landscape is key to achieving success.
Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, underscored the role of the blue economy in global trade, which accounts for 90% of international trade and contributes 70% of global trade revenue. He called for expanded financial support mechanisms, such as the Shipping Sector Support Fund and the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, to maximize Nigeria’s maritime resources and foster economic development.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), reiterated the economic importance of shipping and the need for renewed focus on vessel acquisition and construction. Represented by NIMASA’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, he stressed that fleet ownership is strategically important for enhancing Nigeria’s economic position and creating jobs.
Charles Okorefe, Advisory Head and CEO of Kamany Marine Services Limited, criticized Nigerian banks for their short-term investment strategies, which are not conducive to long-term shipbuilding projects. He urged better communication of the benefits of shipping finance to encourage more substantial investments.
To transform Nigeria’s maritime sector and fully realize its blue economy potential, the country must implement targeted investments, strategic policies, and innovative financing solutions. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can leverage its maritime assets to drive economic growth and establish itself as a key player in the global shipping industry.
Business
CBN expresses commitment to FX Code

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, stating that its operations align with the principles of the code.
In a statement signed by Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Deputy Governor of Economic Policy Mohammad Abdullahi, and Director of the Financial Markets Department Dr. Omolara Duke, the apex bank emphasized that its decision follows a review of the FX Global Code and recognition that the code represents a set of principles widely acknowledged as good practice in the foreign exchange market.
The statement confirmed that the CBN acts as a regulator to market participants as defined by the code and is committed to overseeing FX market activities in a manner consistent with its principles.
“To this end, the Bank has taken appropriate steps, based on the size and complexity of the FX Market, and therefore aligns its roles with the principles of the Code,” the statement added.
Business
FG launches electronic asset register to boost investment

The Federal Government has launched a national electronic assets register to provide real-time access to information on government-owned assets, aiming to enhance transparency and attract more investments into the country.
The digital registry was introduced by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, during an event that also featured the unveiling of a compendium of FAAC allocations to federal, state, and local governments from 2020 to 2023.
Madein described the initiative as a major milestone in improving public resource management, emphasizing that it is essential for financial sustainability and integrity. She stated that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling public funds and assets.
She noted that giving citizens access to information about public asset management would increase government accountability. “Whether it is infrastructure, equipment, or other public property, every asset must be accounted for,” she said.
The real-time access provided by the digital register is expected to support policy formulation, budgeting, and planning. Madein explained that by having a clear understanding of the government’s assets and their conditions, policymakers can make more informed decisions on resource allocation, investment management, and potential privatisation or public-private partnerships (PPPs) for underutilized assets.
She added that the initiative also aligns with international best practices, supporting Nigeria’s adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). These standards will help strengthen the credibility and integrity of the country’s financial statements.
On the compendium of FAAC allocations, Madein stated that it provides a detailed breakdown of revenue distribution to the three tiers of government and serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and the general public.
Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Aniete, who officially unveiled the compendium, praised the Accountant General’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability. She described the electronic asset register as an important tool that will help determine the real value of Nigeria’s assets and create opportunities for local and foreign investment.
Business
Tariff increase will push available power generation to 7,000MW — Minister

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the proposed electricity tariff increase will help boost Nigeria’s available power generation capacity to 7,000 megawatts (MW). This comes after the country recorded its highest-ever available power generation of 6,003MW and a peak evacuation of 5,801.84MW last week.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that tariff regularization is crucial for unlocking the sector’s full potential and sustaining ongoing improvements in power generation and distribution.
“To sustain these improvements, the government would have to pay down the tariff shortfalls of N1.94 trillion for 2024 and address legacy debts of N2 trillion to the GENCOs,” the minister said. He added that continued tariff reforms are necessary to ensure that consumers start paying for the energy they consume.
Adelabu reiterated the government’s intention to raise electricity tariffs for customers in Bands B, C, and D as part of efforts to enhance the sector’s liquidity and reduce subsidy obligations. The planned tariff hike is expected to narrow the gap between Band A customers—who currently pay higher rates—and those in lower bands.
The minister noted that Nigeria recently set another milestone with a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), attributing these achievements to ongoing reforms and infrastructural upgrades in the sector.
“We are thrilled to announce these historic milestones in Nigeria’s power sector,” Adelabu stated. “These achievements represent a brighter future where businesses can thrive, households can enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and the economy can grow sustainably.”
According to the minister, recent improvements result from collaborative efforts by the Federal Ministry of Power and key stakeholders to address longstanding challenges in the sector. These include the rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution networks, implementation of innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, and policy reforms aimed at improving accountability and sustainability.
While celebrating these milestones, Adelabu called for continued support from state governments, private sector stakeholders, and the general public. He stressed the need for collective action to sustain the momentum and build upon the progress made.
With power generation at a record high and tariff reforms on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria’s electricity supply will see lasting improvements, ensuring stable and reliable power for businesses and households nationwide.
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