FG moves against alleged bias in barge operations

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, issued the directive in Lagos, during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat organised by the ministry, mandating the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to probe claims of anti-competitive practices allegedly favouring foreign-linked operators.

At the engagement, operators raised concerns over what they described as a coordinated effort to push them out of the market.

Representatives of local barge operators alleged that “there is a coordinated and deliberate attempt by certain foreign interests to edge them out of business,” warning that such practices could erode indigenous capacity and distort competition across the country's port logistics ecosystem.

They further argued that “policies, operational bottlenecks, and preferential treatment allegedly being accorded to some foreign-linked entities by certain terminal operators are creating an uneven playing field,” adding that these constraints are steadily shrinking their market share and threatening the survival of local investments.

The barge segment, a critical component of port decongestion and inland cargo evacuation, has increasingly become a battleground for market control, with indigenous operators playing a central role in supporting last-mile cargo movement across Lagos ports.

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Responding, Oyetola reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to fair competition and local content protection, directing the NSC, in its capacity as port economic regulator, to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation” into the allegations.

He stated unequivocally that “any form of anti-competitive behaviour or policy inconsistency that disadvantages Nigerian businesses would not be tolerated,” underscoring the administration’s stance on safeguarding domestic maritime investments.

The minister also emphasised that stakeholder engagement remains a key policy tool for identifying operational gaps and driving reforms, noting that the government is focused on strengthening the marine and blue economy as a catalyst for economic growth, employment generation, and sustainable development.