Nigeria could cut logistics expenses by trillions of naira and strengthen port operations through modernized maritime policing, according to industry experts who gathered for a specialized forum on law enforcement's economic impact. Francis Omotosho from the National Association of Government-Approved Freight Forwarders Academy argued that outdated enforcement methods and fragmented agency coordination continue driving up costs that ultimately fuel national inflation.
The country maintains one of West Africa's steepest logistics price structures due to checkpoint proliferation, extended cargo detention periods, and inadequate intelligence systems. Omotosho emphasized that officers must adopt technology-driven approaches as Nigeria expands its operational coastline beyond 400 nautical miles, warning that emerging settlements from Lekki to Calabar will attract both legitimate commerce and smuggling networks.
Maritime authorities were urged to respect jurisdictional boundaries, with each agency maintaining distinct roles, while port fees must reflect actual services rather than functioning as informal taxation that undermines investor confidence.
The country maintains one of West Africa's steepest logistics price structures due to checkpoint proliferation, extended cargo detention periods, and inadequate intelligence systems. Omotosho emphasized that officers must adopt technology-driven approaches as Nigeria expands its operational coastline beyond 400 nautical miles, warning that emerging settlements from Lekki to Calabar will attract both legitimate commerce and smuggling networks.
Maritime authorities were urged to respect jurisdictional boundaries, with each agency maintaining distinct roles, while port fees must reflect actual services rather than functioning as informal taxation that undermines investor confidence.
