SEREC reviews key maritime reforms
Lagos, July 2026 (TBL Africa) The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has reviewed three major policy developments shaping Nigeria’s maritime and trade ecosystem in July 2026.
The developments include the Nigerian Ports Authority’s Movement Code for empty containers, Nigeria Customs Service border benchmarking, and implementation of 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures.
SEREC’s Head of Research, Dr Eugene Nweke, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.
Nweke said the initiatives demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising port administration, strengthening border governance and accelerating trade facilitation through digital transformation.
He described the NPA Movement Code as a strategic initiative aimed at regulating empty container movements and improving cargo traceability across port corridors.
According to him, the policy is expected to enhance truck scheduling, reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency around Apapa and Tin Can ports.
“NPA’s determination to improve operational efficiency within the Apapa and Tin Can corridors is evident through this initiative,” Nweke stated.
However, he said critical issues remained unresolved, particularly concerning compliance costs, pricing structures, payment mechanisms and responsibility for associated charges.
Nweke stressed that clarity on costs was essential as government sought to lower business expenses and improve Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
He also cautioned against allowing the Movement Code to become another standalone cargo monitoring platform within an already crowded digital environment.
According to him, existing and proposed systems include Customs bonded cargo tracking, the proposed Electronic Cargo Tracking Note and the National Single Window.
Other platforms include the Port Community System and various agency-specific compliance and monitoring solutions operating across the maritime sector.
“Without deliberate harmonisation, port users may face multiple cargo identification systems, repetitive data submissions and overlapping compliance procedures,” he warned.
Nweke said such duplication could increase administrative burdens and expose operators to multiple service charges.
He advocated a single interoperable cargo movement architecture where one cargo identity and one data submission satisfy authorised government agencies.
“Digitalisation must simplify trade, not multiply regulatory touchpoints,” he said, urging the National Trade Facilitation Committee to prevent duplication.
On regional border management, Nweke commended the Nigeria Customs Service for conducting a joint benchmarking mission with Benin Republic and Cameroon.
He said the mission examined operations at the Beitbridge Border Post as part of efforts to strengthen coordinated border management.
According to him, the initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to intelligence-driven border administration and deeper regional trade integration under AfCFTA.
Nweke said lessons from the exercise should improve border procedures, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and reduce clearance delays.
Addressing the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures, he advised importers, exporters, manufacturers and clearing agents to review revised tariff provisions immediately.
He urged stakeholders to verify Harmonised System codes and update costing models to reflect the new fiscal measures.
“Failure to align declarations may cause delays, demand notices, post-clearance audits and avoidable financial liabilities,” Nweke cautioned.
According to him, Nigeria’s maritime administration is steadily transitioning towards digital port operations, integrated borders and risk-based customs management.
The researcher added that increasing regulatory automation would require stakeholders across the trade value chain to adapt quickly.
To maximise benefits, he recommended platform interoperability, elimination of duplicate tracking systems and transparent technology-related charges.
He also called for a unified cargo identity framework and full integration of maritime systems with the National Single Window.
Nweke reaffirmed SEREC’s commitment to providing objective policy analysis aimed at improving trade facilitation and port efficiency.
He added that the centre would continue supporting initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West and Central Africa.
