Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has ordered the Nigerian Shippers' Council to probe allegations that local barge operators are being systematically sidelined at Nigerian seaports. The directive was issued during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders' Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat. Oyetola cited concerns over unfair practices that may be limiting access to operations and contracts for indigenous operators. The investigation aims to identify specific actors and mechanisms behind the alleged marginalisation. No timeline was given for the completion of the probe.
The Nigerian Shippers' Council will lead the investigation, focusing on port activities and regulatory compliance. Stakeholders in the maritime sector have welcomed the move, urging transparency in the process. Oyetola emphasized the importance of creating a level playing field for all operators. The ministry has not disclosed which ports or operators are under initial scrutiny.
A ministerial probe into barge operator marginalisation only matters if it moves beyond talk. Dr Adegboyega Oyetola has directed the Nigerian Shippers' Council to investigate, but past inquiries have often ended without action. If this review identifies names and practices but leads to no policy shift or penalties, it will join the pile of performative oversight. For Nigerian operators, real change means contracts, not committees.
