Nigeria has taken a major step toward restoring a national shipping carrier after more than 30 years, as the Federal Government confirmed advanced discussions with leading global maritime partners to revive the long-dormant national fleet.
The announcement was made in Lagos by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed that two of the world’s most influential port and logistics operators — AD Ports Group and DP World — have formally expressed interest in partnering with Nigeria on the project.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the proposed carrier is designed to reverse decades of freight revenue losses following the collapse of the Nigerian National Shipping Line in 1995. Government estimates show that Nigeria has been losing close to nine billion dollars annually in freight earnings to foreign shipping firms due to the absence of a national carrier.
Before its liquidation, the former national line operated a fleet of 30 ocean-going vessels, supported maritime training for Nigerian seafarers and played a central role in transporting the country’s cargo across international trade routes. However, persistent operational inefficiencies, rising debt and weak competitiveness eventually led to its shutdown, with the remaining vessels sold off during liquidation.
Since then, Nigeria’s shipping space has been dominated by foreign operators, including MSC, CMA CGM, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, which now control the bulk of the country’s seaborne trade.
Officials say the proposed relaunch is part of a broader blue economy strategy aimed at retaining freight value within Nigeria, strengthening maritime capacity, creating jobs for seafarers and improving the country’s influence in global shipping and logistics networks.
While details of fleet size, ownership structure and timelines are still being finalised, the government said the renewed national carrier will be driven by private-sector partnerships, global best practices and strong corporate governance to avoid the failures of the past.
The move signals Nigeria’s renewed ambition to reclaim strategic control of its maritime trade and reposition itself as a competitive shipping hub in Africa’s fast-growing logistics and transport market.
