Oyetola Steps In as Local Barge Operators Decry Market Threat

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to investigate allegations of systemic efforts to undermine local barge operators at the nation’s seaports.

This directive was issued during the 2026 first quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy held in Lagos.

Barge operators at the engagement alleged a coordinated attempt by certain foreign-linked interests to edge local players out of the market, warning that such practices could erode indigenous capacity and distort competition within Nigeria’s maritime