The Senate Committee on Maritime Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and project proposals aimed at enhancing maritime security and safety.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, gave the assurance during the 2026 budget defence of agencies under the maritime transport sector, including the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA.
He said the move is aimed at promoting trade facilitation and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa and beyond.
Senator Eshinlokun described the budget defence process as a strategic instrument for governance, economic planning, and national development, as it outlines government priorities, allocates resources, and ensures accountability and performance.
He noted that in a developing economy like Nigeria, a well-structured and realistic budget is essential for driving growth, strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery.
The lawmaker added that the marine and maritime sector remains a critical pillar of the nation’s economy, with its performance directly impacting customs revenue, foreign exchange earnings, industrial development, and overall economic stability.
He urged the agencies to adopt innovative strategies for revenue growth without imposing unnecessary burdens on operators or stifling economic activities, stressing that digitalisation, cost control, and elimination of leakages must remain central to their proposals.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, proposed a revenue target of ₦1.489 trillion for 2026.
He explained that the figure is ₦21 billion higher than the ₦1.468 trillion targeted and exceeded in the previous year.
Dantsoho said the proposal would support the modernisation of Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port to enhance global competitiveness.
He noted that Apapa Port is about 100 years old, while Tin Can Island Port is over 50 years old, both with inadequate capacity for modern shipping operations.
According to him, out of the projected ₦1.489 trillion revenue for 2026, ₦945 billion is earmarked for capital projects, ₦447.5 billion for operating expenses, and ₦90.6 billion for remittance into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Cov/Bashir M
